Women's Tennis Signs Fossorier, Tsukiji to National Letters of Intent
November 20, 2017 | Women's Tennis
IRVINE, Calif. - The UC Irvine women's tennis team has signed a pair of four-star recruits to National Letters of Intent head coach Elizabeth Ferris announced on Monday. Alyssia Fossorier (Honolulu, Hawaii) and Jessica Tsukiji (San Jose, Calif.) will join the Anteaters in 2018-19.
"What makes Jessica and Alyssia such excellent recruits is their strong work ethic, discipline, character, and high standards for themselves in the classroom and on the court," Ferris said. "They both have game styles that will allow them to be competitive at a high level. They hustle for every point, know how and when to mix in variety shots, and aren't afraid of moving forward to the net to close out a point.
"They've had great success as junior players (U18) but are committed to getting better; they have a high capacity to be coachable. We are flattered and honored that they are entrusting us to mentor them and fine tune their games. They have the exact qualities that we look for and can't wait for them to become Anteaters!"
Fossorier is the second-ranked junior player in the state of Hawaii and is among the top-100 nationally. She is currently a senior at Punahou School, where she led the Buffanblu to the 2015 Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) team championship. Fossorier also won the state doubles title as a freshman. In addition, she placed among the top-three at both the 2016 and 2017 HHSAA singles playoffs, with a runner-up finish as a sophomore. She is a member of the National Honors Society.
Fossorier was recently named to the second USTA Junior Leadership Team, which recognizes the finest U.S. junior tennis players who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship and character both on and off the court.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to sign with such an amazing school," Fossorier said. "UC Irvine has given me the chance to play competitive tennis all while I receive an outstanding education. I could not have dreamed about signing onto a better school."
Tsukiji, who will be graduating from Leland High School in 2018, is ranked 24th in California and 129th in the nation among junior players. She helped the Chargers to four consecutive Blossom Valley Athletic League titles and an appearance in the CIF-Central Coast Section quarterfinals as a sophomore. Tsukiji was also a second-team All-Mercury News selection that year.
"I am both humbled and honored that Coach Liz and Desiree have given me this opportunity to play tennis for UCI," Tsukiji said. "I couldn't be more excited about the next four years!"
2018-19 UCI Women's Tennis Recruiting Class
Alyssia Fossorier, Fr., Honolulu, Hawaii (Punahou School)
Jessica Tsukiji, Fr., San Jose, Calif. (Leland HS)
"What makes Jessica and Alyssia such excellent recruits is their strong work ethic, discipline, character, and high standards for themselves in the classroom and on the court," Ferris said. "They both have game styles that will allow them to be competitive at a high level. They hustle for every point, know how and when to mix in variety shots, and aren't afraid of moving forward to the net to close out a point.
"They've had great success as junior players (U18) but are committed to getting better; they have a high capacity to be coachable. We are flattered and honored that they are entrusting us to mentor them and fine tune their games. They have the exact qualities that we look for and can't wait for them to become Anteaters!"
Fossorier is the second-ranked junior player in the state of Hawaii and is among the top-100 nationally. She is currently a senior at Punahou School, where she led the Buffanblu to the 2015 Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) team championship. Fossorier also won the state doubles title as a freshman. In addition, she placed among the top-three at both the 2016 and 2017 HHSAA singles playoffs, with a runner-up finish as a sophomore. She is a member of the National Honors Society.
Fossorier was recently named to the second USTA Junior Leadership Team, which recognizes the finest U.S. junior tennis players who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship and character both on and off the court.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to sign with such an amazing school," Fossorier said. "UC Irvine has given me the chance to play competitive tennis all while I receive an outstanding education. I could not have dreamed about signing onto a better school."
Tsukiji, who will be graduating from Leland High School in 2018, is ranked 24th in California and 129th in the nation among junior players. She helped the Chargers to four consecutive Blossom Valley Athletic League titles and an appearance in the CIF-Central Coast Section quarterfinals as a sophomore. Tsukiji was also a second-team All-Mercury News selection that year.
"I am both humbled and honored that Coach Liz and Desiree have given me this opportunity to play tennis for UCI," Tsukiji said. "I couldn't be more excited about the next four years!"
2018-19 UCI Women's Tennis Recruiting Class
Alyssia Fossorier, Fr., Honolulu, Hawaii (Punahou School)
Jessica Tsukiji, Fr., San Jose, Calif. (Leland HS)
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