HAMMOND, La. – Gabrielle Rice and Jastine Escamos will continue their academic and athletic endeavors as members of the Southeastern Louisiana University women's tennis program, SLU head coach Jason Hayes announced Friday.
 
Rice, a native of Coppell, Texas, and Escamos, who hails from Sugar Land, Texas, will be joining the Lions for the 2026-27 season.
 
"We believe Gabby and Jastine are just the start to what we see as a great recruiting class," Hayes commented. "The recent changes to how scholarships are awarded in the NCAA provides a perfect opportunity for our program to focus on recruiting American talent. We're very excited to continue to bring top American talent like Gabby and Jastine to Hammond."
 
Rice is a senior at Coppell High School. A three-star recruit, Rice has earned all-district honors at CHS in both singles and doubles play.
 
"I grew up visiting Louisiana and I love the atmosphere," Rice said. "Southeastern is a place where I can see myself not only excelling athletically and academically, but as a person."
 
Escamos is a senior at Clements High School and was a mixed doubles state champion this spring. A three-star recruit ranked No. 306 in the United States, Escamos has twice been named District Player of the Year.
 
"Southeastern just felt like home when I visited," Escamos stated. "Everyone I met on my recruiting trip was welcoming and kind and the atmosphere immediately made me feel like I belonged."
 
Rice and Escamos' future teammates will open the spring portion of its 2025-26 schedule Jan. 30 at LSU Alexandria.
 
40 LOVE CLUB
All membership fees and donations to both the 40 Love Club and S Club (tennis) are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern tennis program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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