Feb. 17, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Illinois women's tennis class of 2009 has been ranked the fifth-best in the country according to tennisrecruiting.net. It is the highest ranked class in the history of Illinois women's tennis, featuring two blup-chip recruits in Rachael White (Deerfield HS, Deerfield, Ill.) and Breanne Smutko (Northview HS, Alpharette, Ga.)

"Recruiting is one of the most challenging parts of coaching, but having solid kids in your program that have great character, want to work hard for each other, and have the ability to laugh and have fun all at the same time sure makes it a lot easier," head coach Michelle Dasso said. "The girls I have on my team and our overall team chemistry are the ones that ultimately sell our program. My assistant coach, David Emery, also has an amazing personality and I absolutely love my job and what I do. Those three things combined make Illinois a special program to want to be a part of."

White holds the No. 8 ranking on tennisrecruiting.net and is currently ranked No. 22 in the USTA Girls 18s national rankings. She recently won the prestigious National K-Swiss tournament for the second year in a row. Rachael won the USTA Winter Super Nationals doubles championship and was a finalist in the Cooper Bowl doubles, both with partner Hilary Bartlett in 2006. She also 2008 National Cinncinati Open in USTA 18 and under singles. White won the 2006 IHSA state singles title as a sophomore and helped Deerfield to the IHSA team title in 2005 and runner-up finishes in 2006 and 2008.

Smutko is currently ranked No. 23 on tennisrecruiting.net and is No. 64 in the USTA Girls 18 national rankings. Smutko won the Girls 18s 2008 Copper Bowl in singles. Smutko chose Illinois over Kentucky, Denver and Penn State.

This year's team currently ranked 36th, returns to the courts on Saturday, Feb. 21 when it faces Harvard in Boston, Mass. Match time is slated to begin at 11 a.m. CT.