STANFORD, Calif. - Two of the nation's most highly-touted players, Angelica Blake and Nicole Mossmer, have signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Stanford women's tennis program for the 2019-20 campaign.
"We are thrilled to welcome two very experienced and talented recruits to next year's class," said head coach Lele Forood. "They have both excelled and won championships in junior tennis and we look forward to them bringing a winning mindset, determination and work ethic to our program."
The most decorated program in women's college tennis, Stanford finished 24-3 overall in 2018 and duplicated its 2016 NCAA title run as the lowest-seeded team at No. 15 to win an NCAA championship. Closing the season on a 20-match win streak, the Cardinal defeated Vanderbilt 4-3 to secure its 20th national championship (19 NCAA, 1 AIAW) and has now won 19 of the possible 37 NCAA crowns. Stanford finished Pac-12 play unbeaten and captured its 27th conference title, winning three straight for the first time since 2010-12.
Angelica Blake – Boca Raton, Fla.
Quick Profile: Ranked No. 7 by Tennis Recruiting … placed third at 2018 National Clay Court Championships 18s … 2017 National Hardcourts singles and doubles champion … earned main draw wild card into 2017 U.S. Open Junior Championships … 2016 Winter Nationals 16s singles champion, resulting in a No. 2 national ranking to begin 2017 … 2016 Easter Bowl 16s singles champion while also producing a runner-up finish in doubles … while in eighth grade, played No. 1 singles and doubles on the American Heritage School varsity tennis team, leading team to state title … trained at Saviano High Performance Academy … born in Abington, Pennsylvania … moved to England when she was five and lived there for three years.
Why Stanford?: "Stanford is a place that will help me thrive both on and off the court. I'm very thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful student body, and develop as a player with Coach Lele and Coach Frankie. Getting the chance to compete with such great teammates will be an amazing experience."
Off the Court: "I enjoy playing piano, spending time with friends, dancing, singing and even playing soccer. I've always enjoyed having other hobbies because it has taught me to be open to trying new things. I volunteered at an autism foundation that taught autistic children how to play tennis, which was a very humbling experience."
Team First Values: "I've always loved competing in a team atmosphere because you are playing for something greater than an individual title. Being that tennis is primarily an individual sport, I've always enjoyed participating in team events. From national team tournaments to Florida team tournaments to varsity tennis, it has always been extra motivating to play for the people who support me. Having the opportunity to play at Stanford is very exciting, and I can't wait to grow and learn from my teammates."
Nicole Mossmer – La Jolla, Calif.
Quick Profile: Ranked No. 16 by Tennis Recruiting … two-time competitor in Australian Open Junior Championships (2017-18) and U.S. Open Junior Championships (2016-17) … 2017 Pan American ITF doubles champion … 2016 USTA Junior National Championships 16s singles champion … in 2016, ranked No. 1 among national 16s and No. 3 among national 18s … 2016 Easter Bowl 16s ITF doubles quarterfinalist … 2015 USTA Winter Nationals 18s Bronze Ball recipient … 2015 USTA National Clay Court Championships 16s semifinalist … 2015 USTA Sweet 16 National Level 1 (Florida) champion … born in La Jolla, Calif. … both parents played collegiately at Stanford: father, Michael, on the soccer team, while mother, Maree, was an All-American field hockey player.
Why Stanford?: "I am so excited to be a part of the women's tennis program. Stanford has been a part of my life ever since I can remember. Some of my favorite childhood memories were spent at Stanford Sierra Camp or tailgating at football games. Both of my parents were Stanford student-athletes, but for me, it has really always been my dream to attend school and play a sport here. I can't wait to start this fall!
Off the Court: "I am really grateful to have been lucky enough to have grown up near the beach for most of my life. I have always been passionate about the environment and its conservation, so I participate in beach cleanups as often as possible. I also volunteer to help the colony of seals that has taken over the Children's Pool at La Jolla Cove, by collecting data for the Seal Conservancy and by speaking to elementary schools about how to get involved to help conserve the environment."
Team First Values: "I played competitive club soccer until I was 14 and learned a lot about leading a team and supporting my teammates. My team won a national championship in 2013, and I can honestly say it was one of the best sports experiences I have had, because everyone played their hearts out, not for themselves, but for each other. I am really looking forward to getting back into a team environment at Stanford!"