Commitment Profile
Countdown: Georgia Snares Coppoc and Goulak
by
Ali Jones, 11 October 2016
| Share: |  |
|  | |
|
|
Georgia's academic and athletics reputation proved to be irresistible to a pair of blue chips and have verbally embraced the Bulldogs.
Morgan Coppoc and
Annette Goulak, who have played successful doubles together, were delighted to have the opportunity to play on the same college team.
"It's comforting that there's someone I already know," said Coppoc. "There's a bond already, and also new surroundings and new experiences we'll go through together."
The feeling is mutual.
"I knew Morgan was going there - she committed earlier than I did - and it's always good to have someone you know with you, especially since I'm coming from so far away," Goulak said. "I love Morgan, she's a great friend and a great player. I'm really excited. I think it's going to be the best four years for us as teammates."
Both players cited identical reasons for their choice: Georgia's stellar academics and athletics tradition and facilities. Most important of all was the human factor: the Bulldogs alumni base and student body are avid sports fans who liven up the university's sporting events. The coaches inspire a winning tradition, but also foster a family atmosphere within the team.
Coppoc, from Oklahoma, visited Athens while playing an ITF event in nearby Atlanta, and took an unofficial visit as a sophomore.
"Coaches were watching Kennedy Shaffer," Coppoc recalled. "So I arranged to visit campus while I was in Atlanta. I fell in love with Athens right away. The coaches were so helpful, kind, really good role models."
Goulak, a native Californian, narrowed her search to six schools in-state, but after she played at the Winter Nationals, Georgia emailed Goulak's father. She hesitated leaving the Golden State, but her dad convinced her to at least talk to the coaches.
