SIOUX FALLS -- University of Sioux Falls Tennis Coach Kevin Grebin has announced the signings of three standout student-athletes who will continue their academic and athletics career at USF in 2016-17. Joining the program will be Marie Schmitz of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Savannah Faulkner of Burleson, Texas; and Tianna Duda of Rapid City, S.D.

With the three signings, USF Tennis has a 2016 signing class of six. Grebin announced that Kelsie Sanders of Gillette, Wyo.; Chloe Jefferies of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Tiffany Voss of Derby, Kan., joined the USF's Tennis program during the fall signing period.

“I'm very excited that Marie, Savannah and Tianna will join our tennis squad. They bring a wealth of tennis experience and athletic talent to our program. I believe they will contribute to the continued success of USF tennis for many years,” said Grebin. “Overall, the group of in-coming freshmen are talented student-athletes, who make the future of USF tennis is very bright,” he said.  

Faulkner, who has played on varsity all four years of high school, was a captain and played #1 singles for three straight years at Centennial High School in Burleson, Texas. As a senior, she had a 6-4 record at #1 singles and was 6-4 in mixed doubles (Sam Thicke). The daughter of Charles Faulkner and Nikki Marchi, she won two consolation tournament in mixed doubles and has had five total varsity medals. In a tournament in Galveston, Texas, she was part of a mixed doubles team that was 3-0 and helped the team to a consolation championship.

Duda, the daughter of Tim and Terra Duda, was a standout at Rapid City Stevens, where she has recorded 100 varsity singles wins at #1. Voted team tMVP three times, Duda was ranked third in singles and doubles last year in the state.

Schmitz played #2 singles and #1 doubles for Brandon Valley High School. The daughter of Jason and Cindy Schmitz, had a 16-11 record and was the #8 seed in the state tourney. In doubles, she was 18-8 with the #6 seed in the state tourney. A National Merit Scholar, Schmitz earned a Sportsmanship Award in 2014-15.

The USF Tennis Program had an historical season in 2015-16, finishing 12-8, including advancing to the NSIC Tournament Semifinals. The 12 wins was a D2 program best for USF, which finished 7-4 in league play, tying the 2014-15 team for the top league mark.