Drake Women's Tennis Signs Nell Boyd

DES MOINES, IOWA - Drake head women's tennis coach Paul Thomson has announced the signing of high school standout Nell Boyd (Arlington Heights, Ill./Buffalo Grove) to a national letter of intent to join the Bulldog program for the 2011-12 academic year.

"Nell is going to be a great addition to the program," Thomson commented. "She is extremely strong and athletic and has been able to excel in tennis while dividing her time as a three-sport athlete in high school. In a year-round program, Nell should really take off as a player. She is a pleasure to be around and will fit in well with the team. It will be a pleasure to have her as part of the Drake Family."

A four-time all-state selection at Buffalo Grove High School, Boyd helped lead the Bison to four consecutive Mid-Suburban East Conference titles during her prep career.

Boyd also reached the Sweet 16 of the Illinois State Tournament as a senior before falling to the eventual state champion and she capped her junior campaign as the top-rated player in the United State Tennis Association (USTA) Chicago district.

Boyd is the first student-athlete to sign a national letter of intent with Thomson and the Bulldogs for the 2011-12 campaign.