FORT MYERS, Fla. – FGCU's latest newcomer Ariana Chan is set to make her collegiate debut once the spring slate rolls around next month.

The addition of Chan (Guayaquil, Ecuador/Colegio Internacional Pert) now gives the Eagles a total of six international players, including two from South America.

"It's wonderful having Ariana to the FGCU family," said head coach Courtney Vernon. "She has proven over the fall that she intends to be fully committed to this team and working hard every day. We're looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and challenge herself each day."

During her high school career in Ecuador, Chan garnered strong recognition as she claimed a No. 1 national ranking in 2015 and 2016. That same year in 2016, she went on to play in the Junior Fed Cup hosted in Brazil. This past year, Chan participated in the Fed Cup hosted in her hometown of Guayaquil. In addition, she secured the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Copa Quito title in singles play and was a finalist in doubles.

Chan has been ranked as high as No. 575 in the ITF. 

FGCU kicks off its 2019 season in less than a month when they welcome USF on Jan. 13. The match is slated for a 2 p.m. start.

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HEAD COACH COURTNEY VERNON
FGCU's women's tennis team is led by three-time ASUN Coach of the Year Courtney Vernon, who in her fifth season saw the Eagles claim their second-straight ASUN regular season crown. She has mentored her student-athletes into earning 56 ASUN All-Conference and All-Academic honors, including the 2014, 2016 and 2017 ASUN Freshman of the Year as well as the 2016 and 2017 Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the 2018 Player of the Year. Vernon has led the Green and Blue to a 61-42 overall record (.586) and 27-5 conference record (.827) in her five years at FGCU.