Pair of Tiger tennis players sign with NCAA Division I schools

Two of the top junior college tennis players in the country, Jack Clements and Javier Gonzalez,  are preparing to open the 2021 spring tennis season playing for the Cowley College men's tennis team. The duo will be able to do so with a little pressure taken off of them as they each know where they will be headed after Cowley after signing letters of intent with NCAA Division I schools on Wednesday.

"I am proud of Jack and Javier for accomplishing their goals of transferring to a NCAA Division I school after their time here at Cowley," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said. "Their hard work paid off."

Clements, a returning All-American who came on strong towards the end of last season and solidified the top-spot in the Tigers' singles lineup, signed with tennis powerhouse University of South Alabama.

Clements, who is ranked second in the nation in singles, always dreamed of playing tennis at the NCAA Division I level.

"I played in a tournament at South Alabama last year and really enjoyed the climate and atmosphere," Clements said. "The coach also seems really nice."

Gonzalez played No. 3 singles for the Tigers as a freshman and ranks 19th in the nation in singles. His solid game from the baseline will help him when he moves on to play at Youngstown State University.

"It's a good feeling to sign Division I," Gonzales said. "Youngstown has some amazing facilities and the coach plans on bringing in a really strong team."

After having last season cut short due to Covid-19, Cowley enters the 2021 season ranked second in NJCAA Division I.

"It's a shame last season was cut short because I think we could have done some damage at the national tournament," Clements said. "I believe we have an even better team this year and hope to win a national championship."