Nov. 17, 2010

TEMPE, Ariz.--Arizona State women's tennis head coach Sheila McInerney announced today that Joanna Smith, of Laguna Nigel, Calif., has signed a letter of intent to study and play tennis for the Sun Devils.

"We are excited to have Joanna join our program, and we feel she will be a major contributor in both singles and doubles as a freshman," said McInerney. "[Assistant coach Clint Letcher] and I believe Joanna's best tennis is in front of her, and we are anxious to start working with her this coming fall."

Smith comes from Dana Hills High School in Laguna Niguel, Calif., where she is ranked ninth in Southern California and 35th nationally. In her 2007 season, Smith posted a 28-1 record in singles play as she led the Dolphins to their first Division I championship.

In early November, Smith captured her second consecutive South Coast League tennis singles title. She also recently competed in the USTA Girls' 18 Singles in San Diego, where she reached the round of 64.

"In addition to her tennis prowess, Joanna is an exceptional student," Coach McInerney said. "She'll be an excellent candidate for the Barrett Honors College."

Smith graduates in the spring of 2011, and will be joining the Sun Devils in the fall.