Jan. 19, 2010

Los Angeles, Calif. - Senior at Valencia High School, Tyler Gottshall will join the LMU racquet men this next fall. Under long time Valencia High School tennis coach Annie Kellog, Gottshall has developed into a great all-around player and athlete. Standing 6 feet 6 inches tall, Gottshall has grown to use his height and athleticism to his advantage on the tennis court. As the No.1 singles player from Valencia and captain of the team, Gottshall will be a great asset for the Lion's roster.

Future coach Brad Sceney said, "Tyler will flourish in a college environment, he wants to work hard and when you have the talent behind that, great things happen. We look for him to be an instant contributor in doubles and depending upon the pace of his improvement in singles, will challenge a lot of players. His serve and volley style leaves most matches played on his terms, if he is on, there is not much you can do. We just have to install that confidence in him and watch him develop."

In addition to his presence on the court, Tyler is a good student athlete and leader. Not only was he the one of the top players in the Foothill League and CIF Division, last year he received the Valencia team Stefan Edberg Award, named after the Scandinavian tennis star, who was renowned for his sportsmanship.

Current LMU Lion, Jack Zapala, also comes from Valencia High School's tennis powerhouse. Both Gottshall and Zapala have helped lead the Valencia Vikings to win seven Foothill League championships over the past eight years.

Follow the LMU racquet men this season as they start their spring competition this Saturday against USC at 10am.