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A big reason why Malaika Rapolu was attracted to the University of Texas was for the training opportunities she would get with the Longhorns. There aren’t many major facilities where she lives, and she struggles to find players at her level to hit with on a regular basis.

Blue Chip Malaika Rapolu Has Signed With Texas
© Contributed Photo

Once Rapolu realized she could graduate early and join the program this fall, she jumped at the chance. The blue chip from Cedar Park, Texas signed with the Longhorns on April 20th.

"It is going to help me improve my game earlier rather than later,” said Rapolu, who has been homeschooling for the last year and compiled enough credits to skip ahead. “I really like the coaches and the whole environment at UT. They have a great team and nice facilities and I really think that is a place where I can improve my tennis a lot and reach my goals."

Rapolu, ranked No. 2 in Texas and No. 9 nationally, reached out to the Texas coaches last September and got an immediate response. Since she lives about 45 minutes from campus, she was able to take an unofficial and official visit to Austin.

"It really allowed me to get a better understanding of the whole environment and how everything would be,” she said. “I think that was something unique because most people only get one opportunity to visit. By getting two, that really helped me know it was the right school for me."