College Commitment
Countdown: Millie Nichols Commits to Tennessee
by James Hill, 20 October 2009
Millie Nichols, a Texas high school singles champion, has decided to become a Volunteer.
Nichols, of Lake Travis High School, gave a verbal commitment to the
University of Tennessee. The official signing of the National Letter of Intent will occur next month, but Nichols told the husband-wife coaching team of Mike and Sonia Hahn-Patrick she is headed from Austin to Knoxville.
"I chose Tennessee because I was looking for great coaches," said Nichols, who captured the Texas Class 4A high school championship last May in her hometown of Austin. "I considered many schools in and out of state. I heard that Mike and Sonia were highly recommended by many top junior coaches around the country. Nothing can be better than this situation. Mike and Sonia balance each other out and make a great team."
The Patricks are not able to comment on their new standout until Nichols' actual signing, because of NCAA rules.
Nichols is ranked No. 42 nationally and No. 4 in Texas. The 5-Star prospect looked at a number of schools before deciding to play for the Vols. In Texas, Nichols considered SMU, the University of Texas and Texas Tech. Outside the Lone Star State, she gave serious thought to Clemson, Florida State, Illinois, Wake Forest and North Carolina.
Patrick is in his 23rd season as head coach of the Orange and White, and the 13th with his wife as co-head coach. The Vols advanced to the NCAA Division I tournament for the 15th straight year in 2009, and they received a ranking of 10th from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
