Alabama Men’s Tennis Inks Strong Class in Fall Signing Period
11/19/2020 2:04:00 PM | Men's Tennis
The Crimson Tide signed Enzo Aguiard, Zach Foster and Filip Planinsek to National Letters of
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama men's tennis team inked a strong class to National Letters of Intent during the fall signing period, including Enzo Aguiard, Zach Foster and Filip Planinsek, Crimson Tide head coach George Husack announced this week.
HEAD COACH GEORGE HUSACK SAID
"In a year when recruiting evaluation and contacts were so limited due to the pandemic and ongoing dead period, we needed to use this time to find opportunities to keep improving as a program regardless of the circumstances. There were countless hours of communication via Zoom, phone calls and messaging that resulted in a more genuine relationship process. Ultimately it was very clear where we wanted to target our efforts and which prospects felt similarly. We are both grateful and excited for this soon to be freshman class. They will fill big shoes when it comes to our current seniors who have elevated the program standard and expectation level over the past few seasons. All three - Enzo, Filip and Zachery - are ready for the baton handoff and are driven to keep pushing our program forward."
ENZO AGUIARD
6-1, Melbourne, Australia/The University High School
Aguiard's "Why Alabama?"
"Right off the bat, I had a great connection with both George (Husack) and Dimi (Dimitar Kutrovsky). They were on the same page with my coach (Michael Logarzo) on my strengths and the areas I need to improve on to keep getting better. What appealed to me as well was the competitive environment of the team - everyone trying to push themselves and get better each day."
Husack on Aguiard
"From the very start Dimi (Dimitar Kutrovsky) and I knew that Enzo had the make-up, drive and character that fit perfectly into our program. The recruiting process was very thorough and challenging given the pandemic restrictions, but it provided clarity and excitement for what the future will hold. We are very much looking forward to having Enzo and his family join the Crimson Tide."
About Aguiard
- Coached by Michael Logarzo and trains out of Royal Park Tennis Club and Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club
- Back-to-back ITF J4 titles in New Zealand (2020)
- ITF Junior results include – J4 Christchurch and Wellington singles winner in 2020 and J5 Adelaide singles winner in 2019
- 2020 ITF junior record (pre COVID-19) 13-1 in singles
- Career high ITF junior ranking-203 (Feb. 3, 2020)
- Currently ranked 10th in Australia 18 and under (November 2020)
- Australian results - Yarra Valley Projects silver doubles runner-up (2020), Yarra Valley Projects silver singles, open age (2019), Ballarat Gold singles under 18s winner (2019) and 16-and-under Australian Championships singles runner-up (platinum) (2018)
- Represented Australia in 2016 World Junior Teams Under 14 Oceania/Asia qualifiers
- Son of Gabriela and Theophile Aguiard
ZACH FOSTER
6-3, San Antonio, Texas/US Performance Academy
Foster's "Why Alabama?"
"I really like the atmosphere of the school and I believe that we have a real opportunity to be one of the top tennis programs in the country. I am excited to be part of this team."
Husack on Foster
"Zach is a tenacious competitor no matter the opponent. That's what sticks out the most when watching him compete. He has proven experience and success in Texas and nationally and we're excited to be part of his continued growth while in college. He's a great fit for our program culture and development system."
About Foster
- Coached by Leonard Ivic, Will Oliver, Mark Hildebrand and Harrison Adams at Ivic/Oliver Tennis Academy
- No. 5 in USTA National Boys 18s
- No. 1 in USTA Texas 16s & 18s
- No. 569 in the ITF World Ranking
- Took third at the 2019 Boys 18s National Doubles Championships
- Second at the 2019 Boy's 18s Singles & Doubles Texas Sectional Championships
- National Honor Society
- Son of Staci Foster and Trey T & Emily Foster
FILIP PLANINSEK
6-2, Hoce, Slovenia/Secondary Construction School and Gymnasium Maribor
Planinsek's "Why Alabama?"
"Alabama has exceptional athletics and educational programs. The coaches gave me confidence that I can improve my tennis and be part of a great program. There has been great communication with the coaches and I am looking forward to joining Alabama tennis."
Husack on Planinsek
"Filip is going to make an immediate impact. He's been surrounded by outstanding coaches and players in his native country that have pushed him to improve as a competitor. This growth and experience will benefit him in his next development stage as a college tennis player. We are excited to have him part of our program."
About Planinsek
- Coached by Luka Hazdovac at Ptuj Tennis Club
- Five-time Slovenia National Champion in doubles
- Slovenian National Singles Champion, U16 & U18
- Represented Slovenia at the 2017 European Championships U16 in Moscow, the 2018 and 2019 U18 European Championships in Klosters
- ITF Singles Champion J4 Kranj in 2019 and ITF J4 Singles Runner-up Maribor in 2019
- ITF Doubles Winner J3 Mohammedia in 2019 and ITF Doubles Runner-up J3 Trnava in 2019
- Played Portoroz Challenger qualification in 2019
- Highest ranked win over an ATP player - Kocevar Desman (ATP 717) in July 2020
- Son of Tjaša and Urban Planinsek
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