Tiger tennis players sign with NCAA Division I schools

Helping the Cowley College men's tennis team to a No. 2 national ranking, sophomores Andoni Garmendia and Harry Collins have parlayed that success into signing national letters of intent with a pair of NCAA Division I schools.

Garmendia, from Santiago, Chile, signed with University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. While, Collins from Northampton, England, signed with Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA.

Cowley head coach Manuel Raga has now sent five Cowley men's tennis players on to NCAA Division I schools during the past two seasons.

"Cowley is starting to become a path for tennis players to go on to NCAA Division I schools," Raga said. "These two are an example of that. I am happy that both of them have found good schools to move on to."

After a fantastic freshman season in which he captured the No. 5 singles title, All-American tennis player Andoni "El Toro" Garmendia is off to a strong start to singles and doubles play in the spring semester.

"Andoni has been an incredible student-athlete and is what I would call a program changer," Raga said. "He is a hard worker and always puts the team first."

Garmendia has treasured his time at Cowley, but is also looking forward to playing at the NCAA Division I level.

"Cowley has been amazing, everyone on the team is really close," Garmendia said. "I have really enjoyed the support I have gotten from Manny and Ari (Raga). I hope our team can win nationals before I leave. I am also excited about playing at Incarnate Word because I have some friends from my home country on the team and the level of tennis is amazing."

Collins is a JUCO All-American transfer that has been a great addition to the Tiger's squad. Collins is ranked No. 28 in the latest NJCAA singles rankings.

"Harry has been able to adapt to our team very quickly," Raga said. "He works hard to be the best player he can be and will be a key player for us this season."

Garmendia is again playing No. 5 singles for the Tigers, while Collins plays No. 4 singles. Both players will be moving on to play in the Southland Conference.

"The training I have received at Cowley has been really professional and the team is like a family," Collins said. "I am excited to play tennis at the NCAA Division I level, but before that I want to win a national championship at Cowley."