Japanese Talent Fukutoku Signs With Mizzou Tennis
11/9/2017 4:58:00 PM | Tennis
International player is second member of 2017 recruiting class
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Risa Fukutoku (Tokyo, Japan) has signed a National Letter of Intent to enroll at the University of Missouri and play tennis for Mizzou beginning in the 2018-19 academic year, as announced today by Head Coach Colt Gaston.
"I am very excited about Risa joining our program. She has had a standout junior career and is also a very bright student as well," Gaston said. "I was impressed with Risa's attitude, maturity and discipline on court and I believe that will help us raise the bar every day in practice and make everyone around her better."
Fukutoku has been ranked as high as No. 348 in the ITF Junior World Rankings. She racked up five ITF doubles titles on the junior circuit and was a runner-up in an ITF junior singles tournament and three ITF junior doubles draws. She also was an ITF junior semifinalist in four singles and three doubles tournaments. Fukutoku also played in Japan's U16 and U18 national singles championships.
"I felt at home choosing Mizzou with its caring coaches, friendly teammates, and warm atmosphere," said Fukutoku, also noting the strong combination of high-level academics and athletics.
The Tigers open their Spring season against SEMO and Central Arkansas on Jan. 20 at the Mizzou Tennis Complex. For all the latest on Mizzou Tennis, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
