May 4, 2006

NACOGDOCHES - Tatiana Smolnikova has been signed to a national letter of intent to play tennis at Stephen F. Austin next academic year announced head tennis coach Bret Arrant Thursday morning.

Smolnikova, a native of Obninsk, Russia, comes to Nacogdoches at the champion of the under-18 National Russian Tournament. She was also a finalist in the under-16 Championship of Moscow region. Since 2002, Smolnikova has been a four-time National Russian Tournament champion.

"Tatiana will be a nice addition to our team starting this fall," said Arrant. "She has a solid baseline game and a strong desire to be a top level player."

During her prep career, Smolnikova also participated in cross country and cross country skiing.

-SFA-