November 30, 2004

BLACKSBURG, Va. - The Virginia Tech women's tennis program has announced the signing of Inga Beerman and Abbey Walker to national letter of intents for the 2005-2006 academic year. Both signees will join the Hokies as freshman next fall.

"We are extremely excited about both Inga and Abbey joining our program next fall," said Virginia Tech head coach Terry Ann Zawacki-Woods. "Both display all the characteristics we look for in our student-athletes and both will definitely add many positives to the program."

Beerman, from Bad Salzuflen, Germany, is currently training at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C. following an outstanding junior tennis career. She was a Girls 18 singles semifinalist at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Helveld Flanders tournament in Belgium and was a doubles finalist at the ITF Leeuwenbergh 2 event in the Netherlands. Beerman was the Girls 16 singles champion at the prestigious Topspin Annual Junior Classic in Columbia, S.C., and was a doubles quarterfinalist in the Chanda Rubin ITF Circuit held at the Evert Academy.

"Inga is a tremendous student athlete with a lot of drive and determination," said Zawacki-Woods. "She is an extremely hard worker both on and off the court and she will a great addition to our team. Inga has gained a great deal of experience playing against some of the best junior tennis players around the world."

"The campus, the people, and the whole atmosphere made me fall in love with Virginia Tech at once," said Beerman. "The outstanding architecture program, which I plan to major in, and the improving tennis team, helped me with the decision to sign. I am really excited to attend Virginia Tech next year."

Walker, from Lancaster, S.C., was the 2003 South Carolina Tennis Player of the Year and was ranked eighth in the Girls 16 and under in the Southern Section. She obtained a No. 81 national ranking in the Girls 16 and under as well as earning All-region honors and twice being named Most Valuable Player while attending Lancaster High School.

"Abbey is a very natural athlete who is really going to shine in college," said Zawacki-Woods. "I was impressed with her both as a person and a player, and we are excited to her join our program. She can generate a great amount of power in her game, and will make an immediate impact on our program."

"I am so excited about joining the Virginia Tech tennis program next year," said Walker. "The players are so nice as well as the coaching staff. I feel that I am going to be able to reach my full potential at Virginia Tech, not just athletically, but academically as well.

Virginia Tech opens the dual match season at home on Jan. 29 against Clemson at noon and Radford at 6 p.m.