Feb. 19, 2009

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Nicole Janek and Maria Lazaris recently signed National Letters of Intent to join the Cleveland State women's tennis program, beginning with the 2009-10 academic year, head coach Brian Etzkin announced.

Janek, a native of Clarkston, Mich., has enjoyed an outstanding career at Clarkston High. She has posted an overall record of 76-7 over her first three years, playing No. 1 singles during her junior year for coach Phil Eagelson. A two-time all-state selection, Janek reached the final of the Midwest Designated Tournament last January.

"Nicole will develop quickly as she enters the college ranks," Etzkin said. "She is very athletic, very quick and has a great all-court game. She is also a very good doubles player and I expect her to make an immediate impact on our program."

Janek has won at least five sportsmanship awards in the past three years and has been on the honor roll every year in high school.

Janek, whose father, Nikolas, is a CSU alum, plans to major in nursing.

Lazaris, who hails from Scituate, Mass., spent the 10th grad at The International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Florida where she attended American Heritage High School and led the team to the Florida State Team Championship. In addition, she won individual state titles in singles and doubles, both at the #1 position before heading back home to finish her high school career at Scituate High. This past year she has won two USTA tournaments and reached the finals in two others.

"Maria started playing tennis at age seven and has an extensive amount of tournament experience," Etzkin said. "She is a great competitor and will be a tough opponent to beat for anyone at any spot in the Horizon League. She is not afraid of hard work and with that attitude, she should get better and better as a college player."

Lazaris plans to major in psychology.