Men’s, women’s tennis programs at UVA add two top national recruits

UVA men’s women’s tennis coach Mark Guilbeau announced on Monday (Aug. 18) that Skylar Morton (Bethesda, Md.) is joining the Cavaliers’ program. Morton has signed a financial aid agreement and is transferring to Virginia after playing her first two seasons at UCLA from 2011-13.

In addition, incoming recruit Cassie Mercer (Huntington, W.Va.) was named the 2014 Girls Tennis Athlete of the Year by the National High School Coaches Association.

“We are extremely excited to have Cassie Mercer and Skylar Morton join the program,” Guilbeau said. “They are fantastic young ladies and strong athletes. Both will have great success in the program and will be a big part of continuing to bring this team to higher and higher levels. We are proud of their tennis accomplishments and also their academic efforts. They are a great fit for UVa in all areas.”

Morton earned ITA All-America doubles honors in each of her two seasons at UCLA. During her sophomore season in 2012-13, Morton and teammate Robin Anderson advanced to the NCAA Doubles final and finished the season ranked eighth. In 2011-12, Morton earned an at-large berth into the NCAA Doubles Championship and finished the season ranked ninth with Anderson. Morton also posted a 21-8 overall singles record and 14-6 dual record, playing most of her matches at No. 4 singles.

Morton, who was listed as the No. 2-ranked recruit in 2011 by TennisRecruiting.net, achieved a career-high combined world ranking of No. 177 in April of 2011. She is the daughter of Larry and Rose Morton.

Mercer closed her high school career last spring with her fourth straight No. 1 singles state title while joining Kate Huck to win the No. 1 doubles crown. Mercer also guided Huntington High to four consecutive Class AAA state championships.

Mercer, who is the daughter of Marshall University women’s tennis head coach John Mercer, is ranked No. 11 on the Tennis Recruiting Network’s list of 2014 high school graduates.

“Cassie and Skylar will be joining an incredible group of returning players that have already done so much in their careers and are hungry to continue to compete for ACC and national titles,” Guilbeau added. “Altogether it is an awesome group and we are all excited to start the season.”