Commitment Profile
Spring Signing Week '15: Illinois State Champ Eddie Grabill to Dartmouth
by
Ali Jones, 16 April 2015
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Five-star Eddie Grabill is a coach's dream - he is an excellent individual player, but also the consummate team player.
"I love spending time with my friends," he explained. "I like the team aspect - working hard with them in preparation for the season. There's nothing better than playing for your school with some of your best friends to win the state title."
In fact, Grabill's most memorable matches are those that helped his high school win the state championships, including his doubles title in 2013 and the singles title in 2014.
"Those two victories were more important for the team," Grabill recalled. "I was just happy winning both titles, just to contribute to my team's success."
Grabill downplays his victories, but with both wins, The Chicago Tribune recorded him as only the second player in Illinois tennis history to win both titles.
High school tennis has been a vital part of Grabill's tennis, and there was no question that he would continue playing in college.
In December 2014 Grabill committed to play for Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.
"Dartmouth is a great combination of academics and athletics," he said.
Two weeks after an official visit, Grabill made the early decision to commit to Coach Chris Drake's Big Green.
"I was impressed with the work ethic of guys on the team, managing both athletics and academics," he said. "I got along really, really well with the team and coaching staff. Coach Drake and [Assistant] Coach Tom Boysen are both the best coaches in the Ivy League. After I visited, I knew Dartmouth was where I wanted to be for the next four years."
He plans to major in Economics.
With his college future secure, Grabill is enjoying his final year at Hinsdale Central High School, and is preparing to defend its state tennis championship for the fourth year in a row.
