Red Wolves - IU East

This was a natural fit.

Indiana University East tennis coach Mike Sherer on March 18 announced Richmond High School senior Elizabeth "Lizzie" Shepherd" signed a letter of intent to join the Red Wolves starting with the 2010-11 season.

Shepherd is the daughter of IU East School of Nursing Dean Karen Clark and William Shepherd.

Shepherd also participated in Sherer's youth programs in past years.

"Lizzie will be pre-made for the program," Sherer said. "We go back quite a few years and we work well together. She will know Mike's coaching system and Mike's coaching philosophy."

"It's great to have Lizzie as part of the team. She will bring some good high school experience and has a strong desire to improve."

Shepherd has been a part of the Richmond High School girls tennis program for four years and also serves as a manager for the Richmond boys tennis program.

She says her forehand is the strongest part of her game.

Shepherd also is captain of her math academic team. She serves on student council and as a child care worker at First English Lutheran Church. She is co-chair of the Youth As Resources of Wayne County Board of Directors.

She plans to major in elementary education.

"I do better in a smaller environment like IU East, and it also gave me the chance to play tennis in college," Shepherd said.

The IU East women's tennis team will take part in its first season during the fall of 2010.