Red Wolves - IU East

The Red Wolves' growing tennis family welcomed two new members Tuesday.

Indiana University East Tennis Coach Mike Sherer announced Centerville natives Courtney Ecker and Megan Shepard have signed letters of intent to play tennis for the Red Wolves.

Ecker and Shepard helped Centerville High School win a sectional championship in 2007. Both will play for IU East during the program's inaugural season this school year.

Ecker joins the IU program as a sophomore after playing one season at Indiana Tech. She enjoyed a stellar career at Centerville High School, where she never lost a regular season match. She played three seasons at No. 1 doubles and one year at No. 2 singles for the Bulldogs.

Sherer looks forward to adding Ecker's strong forehand, volleys and mental toughness to the IU East lineup.

"Courtney brings us a lot of tournament tennis experience at a very competitive level," Sherer said. "She's a great player, has a great attitude, comes from a great family and definitely is going to be a great addition to the program. I feel blessed to have such a talented player representing IU East.

"With her record being so fantastic, players that have played in this community know her, know her last name, and know she means business. She will bring great credibility to the tennis program."

Shepard joins the program as a junior after transferring to IU East this past spring. She played one year of No. 2 doubles and one year at No. 2 singles at Centerville.

"Megan also brings years of successful high school tennis experience to the plate," Sherer said.

"Megan is going to bring us some additional fuel in the lineup for this year's tennis squad. I had heard about her and I am pleased she has chosen to play tennis at IU East."

Ecker and Shepard both said the Red Wolves program offered a chance to play college tennis near their families.

Ecker will serve as an assistant coach with the Centerville High School boys program, where her father, Randy, is the head coach.

"My family is here, and I wanted to help build the program here," Ecker said.

Said Shepard: "It's closer to my family too. I really liked playing with Courtney in high school and wanted to play with her. And I really love tennis."

Both plan to pursue careers in elementary education.