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CONWAY — New University of Central Arkansas head tennis coach Jeff Borengasser has secured his first signee for the Sugar Bears, adding Stephanie Gonzalez Valero of Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Gonzalez Valero comes to UCA as one of the top players in Venezuela, ranked No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in her home state of Zulia in the Venezuela girls 18's rankings. She won state championships in both singles and doubles in 2011 for Maristas High School, won singles and doubles championships at the San Cristobal regional and was a singles finalist and doubles champion at the 18's regional in Zulia last October.

"Stephanie encompasses exactly what we desire in our student-athletes," said Borengasser, who was hired in June after a successful seven-year run at Westminster College that included eight conference championships between the men's and women's teams. "She is a strong student (3.5 GPA) and has competed at a very high level on the courts in Venezuela and internationally. Her speed and athleticism will give her the ability to contribute to our team's success immediately, as well as continue to improve during her career at UCA."