CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer announced the addition of four student-athletes to the 2017-2018 Fighting Illini team on Wednesday afternoon. Alex Brown, Caleb Chakravarthi, Mac Kiger and Fletcher Scott each signed national letters of intent to join the Fighting Illini men's tennis program.

"We feel great about our current freshmen class," Dancer said. "To put this group behind them couldn't have us more excited about the next five years of Illinois tennis.  The two classes together are going to form the nucleus and be able to put their stamp on the next generation in our program."

Alex Brown // 6-5 // Urbandale, Iowa // Shawnee Mission East

Tennis Accomplishments:

-2016 ITF Tulsa Futures Singles Title

-Top-5 in the USTA 18s

Why Alex chose Illinois: I really like the combination of coaches and players. I felt like Illinois would have a great team atmosphere.

What Dancer says:  I remember seeing AB years ago and being impressed with his stoic nature in tough circumstances.  Over that past few years, as the challenges have mounted, he hasn't changed.  He's a young man that loves competition and has incredibly high standards for himself.  AB's family values mesh perfectly with our Illinois team culture.

Caleb Chakravarthi // 6-1 // Irvine, Calif. // Connections Academy

Tennis Accomplishments:

-U16 Easter Bowl Doubles Title

-Top-20 Nationally in U16s

-Was No. 1 in 14s and 16s Middle States Section

-Won a G2 and G3 ITF Doubles Title

Why Caleb chose Illinois: I chose Illinois because from the time I stepped foot on the campus, I felt welcome. Brad and Marcos are great coaches and I feel like they are the best fit for me to reach my highest potential while at Illinois and hopefully after. I also really loved all of the guys on the team. It was like a big family and they made me feel welcome. After visiting, I know that was the college I wanted to go to.

What Dancer says: Caleb is another young man where we see tremendous growth opportunities.  He is just beginning to better understand himself as a competitor and person.  He has impressive academic credentials and has already begun to blend well into our team culture.  He is going to surprise many.  

Fletcher Scott // 6-2 // Lawrence, Kan. // Lawrence Virtual High School

Tennis Accomplishments:

-2015 Missouri State Singles Champion

-Heart of America District Player of the Year

-Top-200 in the ITF Junior Rankings

Why Fletcher chose Illinois: I believe what Brad and Marcos stand for both on and off the team court. Their involvement with the team was also a selling point for my decision to come to Illinois.

What Dancer says: When I first saw Fletcher he reminded me of a young Aleks Vukic, lean, athletic and can generate power.  As we learned more about him as a person, his impressive academic resume, and his big minded future goals, we knew he was going to be a great fit for our university and team culture.  It's great to be adding another piece of the Midwest/Missouri Valley culture.  

Mac Kiger // 5-11 // Katnh, N.Y. // Laurel Springs School

Tennis Accomplishments:

-Won the 2015 Atlanta ITF Future

-Semifinalist in the 2015 Winter Nationals

-Reached a career-high of 292 in the ITF Junior Rankings

Why Mac chose Illinois: I visited earlier this and went to a match. I really liked how Brad and Marcos interacted with the team and their enthusiasm towards the players. It really showed that Illinois Tennis provides a family environment and the crowd at the match was awesome. You could see and feel the energy around this program. After my visit, I knew I wanted to come to Illinois.

What Dancer says: Mac is a highly unique competitor and student.  He possesses a New York style which Marcos and I feel will broaden our team's Midwest culture.  He has tremendous eyes and hands on the court and as he develops his physical strength, he will be dangerous.  Mac's parents have done a tremendous job in helping prepare him for our university's culture.

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