Two-time CIF-NCS tennis champion Karl Collins signed a letter of intent to attend Fresno State University on Wednesday.
Collins, who was the first El Cerrito High athlete to win an NCS tennis title, with his first title coming as an unseeded sophomore, will join the Bulldogs for the 2020-21 season as a freshman, with four years of eligibility.
His national recruiting ranking for the recruiting class of 2020 has risen nationally from 191 in 2017 to as high as 54 this year, earning him a Five Star rating on the Tennis Recruiting Network. He is currently ranked No. 1 for USTANorCal 18s age group for singles and doubles, and is undefeated in high school competition.
Collins trains at Claremont Resort and Spa under the tutelage of Rosie Baries and Dale Evans. He was recruited by Cal Poly, UC Davis, Pacific and Cornell.
In choosing Fresno State, Collins cited among his reasons his respect for Coach Luke Shields and Assistant Coach Steve Loop.
“I love the facilities and enjoyed the campus atmosphere on my official visit,” Collins said. “I just want to get better and win with the team. Winning matches is the number one goal. I can see myself getting better and growing both as a player and person as a Bulldog.”
Collins is the first member of the Fall 2020 signing class.
