TOLEDO, Ohio - University of Toledo women's tennis coach Tracy Mauntler announced the signing of Cassie Alcala (Pickerington, Ohio), Julia Kuszynski (Markham, Ont.)  Ava McQuillin (Waterville, Ohio), and Shalini Tallamraju (Munster, Ind.) to national letters of intent today. All four will be joining the Rockets as freshmen for the 2020-21 season. 
 
"I am thrilled with this year's recruiting class," said Mauntler. "They are not only extremely athletic tennis players, they are all young women with incredible character. We are so fortunate that they chose Toledo to continue their education and to compete as Rockets. It's important to say that we've spent so much time getting to know all four of these players. Team culture is the base on which our program is built. Each one of these players comes from amazing families who have mentored them to become impressive young women. The future of the program is incredibly bright."
 

Cassie Alcala
High School: Pickerington North
Hometown: Pickertington, Ohio
Anticipated Major: Undecided
 

• Ranked No. 77 nationally and has a four-star rating on tennisrecruiting.net
• Ranked No.3 in the state of Ohio
• Has a combined four-year singles record of 103-10 
• Three-time Ohio Central District Champion
• Four-time state qualifier 
• 2017 state runner-up 
• Third-place finisher in 2019 

 
Why Cassie chose Toledo: "I chose to attend the University of Toledo for the variety of academic options and the competitive tennis program." 
 
Mauntler on Alcala: "Cassie is the highest ranked American player in the history of our program. Cassie chose the high school tennis route, which many players overlook. She knows how to be a great teammate and I expect her to be an impact player immediately." 
 

Julia Kuszynski
High School: St. Brother Andre CHS
Hometown: Markham, Ont.
Anticipated Major: Exercise science
 

• Finished fourth at the OFSAA singles competition in 2018
• 2019 Female Athlete of the Year
• OFSAA Mixed Doubles Champion
• Named Varsity Tennis MVP
• Finished second in doubles and fourth in singles at the U18 Provincials
• 2019 Ontario Open Women's Doubles Champion
• Three-time Team Ontario player at the Canadian Nationals

Why Julia chose Toledo: "I chose to attend the University of Toledo because it had everything I was looking for in a school. It has the academic path I am interested in and a beautiful campus with a great tennis team and coach."
 
 
Mauntler on Kuszynski: "Julia is a tall, athletic tennis player with lots of power. She's a doubles specialist, but is just as impressive in singles. I have no idea how high Julia's ceiling is and I'm thrilled that we get to help her find out." 
 
 
Ava McQuillin
High School: Central Catholic
Hometown: Waterville, Ohio
Anticipated Major: Pre-med
 

• Three-time Three Rivers Athletic Conference Player of the Year 
• Four-time state qualifier (Three years for singles, one year for doubles) 
• Finished third at state for doubles

 
Why Ava chose Toledo: "I choose to attend the University of Toledo for many reasons. For one, I grew up in Toledo so I am very familiar with the
campus and the city. My end goal is to also to become a surgeon and UTMC is a fantastic medical school. I am also beyond stoked that I get to play tennis for UT and that I get to represent my school."
 
Mauntler on McQuillin: "Ava is an extremely athletic lefty who will thrive in our culture. I expect Ava to make huge strides in her game immediately at Toledo. She's a hometown girl who played at Central Catholic. I'm thrilled she chose to join our Rocket family."  
 

Shalini Tallamraju
High School: Munster High School
Hometown: Munster, Ind.
Anticipated Major: Biology
 

• Three-time team MVP
• Three-Time all-district
• Three-time all-conference
• Three-time first-team  all-state
• 2017-18 NY Daily News and Chicago Tribune Girls Tennis Player of the Year

 
Why Shalini chose Toledo: "I chose to attend the University of Toledo because of the excellent program and school. University of Toledo is very good for my field, which is medicine. Also, the tennis program is on the rise, and I want to be a part of what this amazing program has to offer."
 
Mauntler on Tallamraju: "Shalini is a girl after my own heart, a true grinder. Shalini will stay on the court for as long as it takes to finish the job. I also believe her best tennis is ahead of her in the next four years."