Nov. 17, 2009

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern head coach Arvid Swan announced today the signing of Raleigh Smith (Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep) to a National Letter of Intent for the 2010-11 season. Smith, a blue chip recruit, has been ranked as high as No. 18 by tennisrecruiting.net and is also a three-time Florida state champion.

"We are very excited about the signing of Raleigh. He is an incredibly talented, hard-working and unbelievably competitive player," said coach Swan. "Raleigh is going to have an immediate impact on our program and is also going to be an excellent student and leader within the athletic department."

Smith, one of Florida's top recruits, has shown his prowess both individually and with his high school team. Smith won the Boys' 16 National Clay Court Doubles Championship in 2008 and finished in the top 12 in singles in 2009.

"On the court, Raleigh brings an all-court game with tremendous foot speed," Swan commented. "In competition, Raleigh never backs down from any player and always plays up to the level of his competition."

Smith attends the alma mater of current Wildcat Chris Jackman, Gulliver Prep, and continues to lead the high school team to success. Smith has won four consecutive individual Florida state singles championships (2006-09).

Raleigh Smith
5-10 ● 170
Miami, Fla./Gulliver Prep

High School: Finished top 12 in singles at the National Clay Court Championships in 2009 ... National Clay Court Doubles Champion in 2008 ... Doubles quarter-finalist in National Championships in 2008 ... Led high school team to state championship in 2007, 2008, and 2009 ... Florida individual state champion in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Personal: Parents are David Smith and Marsha Key ... Anticipates majoring in economics and minoring in business institutions ... Played on same high school team as current Wildcat Chris Jackman.