Frenkel Signs With Tulane

Herrmann Tennis Academy Senior Etham Frenkel has accepted a scholarship offer to play tennis at Tulane University in New Orleans. Frenkel joins Michael Moore as the second HTA player in the class of 2009 to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship.

Etham is entering a unique situation as Tulane is sponsoring varsity tennis for the first time since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit the campus. He joins the university in a five player recruiting class that is rated #22 by TennisRecruiting.net. Prior to disbanding the Green Wave had captured five of the last eight Conference USA championships and featured 2004 NCAA Runner-up Michael Kogan.

“Etham is going to be a great fit for what we are rebuilding here at Tulane. My goal for this first year’s recruiting class was to sign players who were strong academically, great athletes, and men of good character; Etham fills all 3 prerequisites,” noted Tulane head coach Mark Booras. “He is a player with tremendous upside and a great work ethic and I think he will be a huge asset to our program. He dictates with his big serve and big forehand and I think his speed will always keep him in the points. The fact that he is coming from a two sport background in tennis and football, and been a part of several successful teams, will pay many dividends on our very young first year squad. I’m really looking forward to having Etham as part of our team and helping him develop as a tennis player and a young man.”

Frenkel is ranked 25th in the USTA Midwest Section and 238 in the Nation in the Boys’ 18s. TennisRecruiting.net ranks Etham as the 5th best prospect in the state of Illinois and the 16th rated player in the Great Lakes region.

“Coach Booras recognized the big strengths that Etham has in his forehand, serve, and potential to improve,” said HTA Head Coach Ben Pettinari. “Etham is working to improve every facet of his game, to get himself ready for a great college career.”

Etham, a senior at Stevenson High School, is the 29th Herrmann Tennis Academy player to receive an athletic scholarship since the academy opened its doors in 1999 and will be the 48th member to play college tennis.

Comments from my desk

"It is my vision and philosophy to push each participant to understand the steps involved with the process of achieving one’s dreams. My coaching staff wants to impact their students’ lives in a positive manner by giving them the opportunity to excel not only at a lifetime sport, but also throughout their everyday lives."
-HTA Owner Ken Herrmann

With Ken's vision in mind it is especially rewarding to receive the two notes below from HTA parents.

"I just want to say thank you so much for wonderful and kind words about our son Brandon. You just made his day. He is so proud of it, that he emailed the page to his old coach Aaron Rusnak. Also I have to tell you that since Brandon started to play in your academy he is much happier about everything especially his love-tennis. He started believing in himself and also in his game more and more everyday. He works very hard on staying positive and happy even through bad moments in school, at home and on the court. That is what makes my day, so thank you again and thanks to everybody from HTA."

-Bogusia Wozniczka

"Thanks for having Vinnie as the featured player of the month on your
news letter. Vinnie is thrilled and seems to have a added shot of
confidence. Vinnie really enjoys being a part of your program and looks
forward to Mondays. Jackie's on going guidance and Ernie's watchfulness
have made a difference in Vinnie's game. Our sincere thanks to all you."

-Suresh Nagaraj