SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- University of Sioux Falls Tennis Coach Kevin Grebin has announced that student-athlete Emily Applegate of Casper, Wyo., has signed and will continue her athletic and academic career at USF.

Applegate signed with USF in the spring signing period and will begin classes next fall. Her signing is contingent upon admission to USF and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Eligibility Center.

"I am honored and pleased to add Emily (Applegate) to a talented and young team" said Grebin. "She excels in both singles and doubles and adds quality to our roster. She is an outstanding student-athlete, who will contribute to our team, and this campus in a multitude of ways," he said. 

The daughter of David and Diana Applegate, she starred at Kelly Walsh High School. During her senior year, the left-handed standout was 15-3 at No. 1 singles while winning a conference title and finishing in third at the Wyoming State Meet. She was also named all-conference and all-state.

In her career, she has twice been named all-state, including as a junior when she finished fifth at No. 1 singles at the state meet. As a sophomore, she played No. 2 singles, finishing as the North Regional Tournament champion and earning all-league honors. During her freshman year, she played No. 3 doubles, helping the team take fourth place at the Wyoming North Regional Tourney. In total, she played varsity tennis four years.

Applegate, who has two brothers, Ethan and Quinton, also participated in basketball and track with the Trojans. A member of Student Council, she also was named to the Spanish Honors Society, National Honors Society and earned a Gold Medal Congressional Award. She will graduate in the top 10 percent of her class. 

Applegate plans to major in special education with a minor in communications at USF.

She joins a USF Tennis Team that recently finished the regular season with an 11-6 record, including 7-4 in the NSIC and a tie for fourth place. The Cougars tied the school's DII-best mark for league wins and reached the NSIC Postseason Tourney for the fourth time in five seasons.