CSU Women's Tennis Inks Three Standouts

The Rams tennis program signed Courtney Akel (Little Rock, Ark.), Greer Satherlie (Englewood, Colo.) and Lauren Strasburger (Brentwood, Ten.) to National Letters of Intent to play tennis for the Rams beginning in the fall of 2005.

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Nov. 17, 2004

FORT COLLINS, Colo. - Colorado State University head tennis coach Jon Messick announced Wednesday that the CSU tennis program signed Courtney Akel (Little Rock, Ark.), Greer Satherlie (Englewood, Colo.) and Lauren Strasburger (Brentwood, Ten.) to National Letters of Intent to play tennis for the Rams beginning in the fall of 2005.

Akel, who played at New Braunfels High School in Texas, will complete her prep playing career at Central High School in Little Rock, Ark. in 2005. She was ranked as a Top 150 player in the nation by the USTA. In 2003, she won the Arkansas State Qualifying Tournament and was undefeated in her junior season. She helped to guide New Braunfels to a No. 1 ranking in the state and a regional final berth.

"Courtney has a very consistent game which she uses to set up effective power shots," commented Messick. "She is a fighter on the court with a strong competitive attitude."

Satherlie, a senior at Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colo., has captured State 5A Championships three times leading CCHS to three team championships. She has been ranked in the top 10 in the Intermountain section and was ranked as high as 130th in the nation by the USTA in singles and as high as 14th doubles.

"Greer is an excellent athlete with a very strong serve and ground game," said Messick. "She is definitely one of the top prospects in the state."

Strasburger, who played at Brentwood High School, is ranked in the top 25 in the southern section by USTA and in the top 250 in the nation. She helped BHS win the 2003 state title and went on to the semifinals in doubles play in the tournament.

"Lauren has a solid all-court game with good variety and versatility," commented Messick. "She can also play with good aggressive power off both sides."

"This recruiting class brings solid national experience to the Rams," said Messick on his class. "All of these players have shown competitive results and are capable of taking our team to the next level."