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    Arrant Announces Signing of Smolnikova
    Under-18 National Russian Championship to play next fall
    SFA Head Coach Bret Arrant
    SFA Head Coach Bret Arrant

    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-