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.