News & Features

Share:

As a player from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, Claudia Perez-Garcia (WTN 22.2) knew she would have to begin her recruiting process as early as possible to get the attention of college coaches.

Four-Star Claudia Perez-Garcia Has Committed to St. Joe's
© Contributed Photo

The four-star senior participated in showcase events and began targeting schools on the East Coast to remain closer to home. Perez-Garcia emailed the coaches at Saint Joseph’s University to let them know she was interested.

Before competing in the USTA National Hard Courts in San Diego this summer, she sent a text message letting them know her match schedule.

“I thought it was a good idea to see me in person because since I live in Puerto Rico it’s a little bit difficult to get your UTR up,” Perez-Garcia said. “There is more competition in the U.S. than here, so I thought it would be good for them to watch me play because I don’t think my UTR is a good reflection of the player I am.”

Perez-Garcia committed to the Hawks in October. She plans to major in biology and pursue a medical career.

“My decision was based partly on what benefits me economically and my parents and my family,” Perez-Garcia said. “I have been playing tennis since I was 7, and it’s been a dream for me to play Division I tennis. I think this is an amazing opportunity for me and a perfect fit for what I was looking for.”