KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island women's tennis head coach
Val Villucci signed three women to a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2022-23 season.
Nikki Fernando (Kihei, Hawaii), Ava Grnja (Hollywood, Fla.) and Nikki Herrman (Zionsville, Ind.) all committed to Villucci and the Rams.
"I am thrilled with the commitment from these three talented, young ladies," Villucci said. "Sophie, Ava and Nikki are a great addition and a perfect fit for our program. They will allow us to continue to improve, grow and compete at a high level.
"What impressed me the most with each one of them was their maturity and no-quit attitude on the court. As we know as coaches, it's the intangibles that make the difference, and that is something they all have. Sophie, Ava and Nikki all bring playing experience on a national level, and I know that will translate into success for our program."
Nikki Fernando
A native of Hawaii, Fernando was the second-place finisher in the individuals tournament of the Maui Interscholastic League and reached the state quarterfinals. In 2019, she led Seabury Hall to the Maui Interscholastic League title, the school's first in two decades. She chose Rhode Island over George Washington and Georgetown, in part because of the school's STEM program. Planning to major in neuroscience, Fernando eventually would like to attend medical school.
Ava Grnja
Hailing from Hollywood, Fla., Grnja attended the NSU University School, where she was undefeated while playing No. 2 singles as a junior. A team captain who will play in the top spot this year, she won districts in both singles and doubles in 2021. A four-star recruit according to tennisrecruiting.net, she and partner Daniela Porges won a state title in doubles. She considered attending Duquesne, Marquette, Mercer and Saint Francis, but she chose Rhode Island because of the kindness and dedication of Villucci, as well as the welcoming nature of the players on the team. Grnja plans to major in biology and eventually attend medical school.
Sophie Herrman
A four-star recruit out of Zionsville, Ind. according to tennisrecruiting.net, the left-handed Herman was a first-team All-State and All-Conference selection for Zionsville Community High School in 2019. She considered attending Quinnipiac, Davidson and Valparaiso, but felt Rhode Island was the perfect fit because of the balance of academics and athletes that the school offered. Planning to major in neuroscience, Fernando eventually would like to work in the medical field.
