SIOUX FALLS, S.D.- Augustana University head women's tennis coach Marc Kurtz has announced the signing of three female student-athletes for the 2016-17 season.

Taylor Jackson (Minneapolis, Minn.), Rebecca Falkner (Overland Park, Kan.) and Annika Teske (Elk River, Minn.) have signed letters of intent to continue their academic and tennis careers at Augustana.

The first day of the early signing period for collegiate tennis programs was Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Taylor Jackson | Minneapolis, Minn. | Minneapolis Washburn High School  

High School Notes: Went 15-1 at the No. 1 singles position her senior year…got to the final four in sections…  all-conference all four years… Went 22-2 at the No. 1 singles position her junior year… won the city conference doubles championship three years in a row     

Personal: Born on April 29, 1998… In Minneapolis, Minn. … Parents to Jesse and Mary Beth McDonald… She plans on majoring in Nursing to be a Nurse Anesthetist when school is finished

Kurtz on Jackson: "Taylor has consistently been ranked as a top junior in the USTA Northern section. She is an excellent athlete with an all court game and she has tremendous hands at the net."  



Rebecca Falkner | Overland Park, Kan.| Shawnee Mission East High School 

High School Notes: Qualified for state her freshman year… her sophomore and freshman year high school team won state  

Personal: Born on May 12, 1998… In Scottsdale, Ariz. to Rob and Melissa Falkner

Kurtz on Falkner: "Rebecca is a grinder, with an all court game and a great demeanor on the court. She is comfortable at the baseline and also up at the net."


Annika Teske | Elk River, Minn. | Homeschooled  

High School Notes: USTA World Team Tennis Jr. National participant her junior year… 23-2 at No. 2 singles her sophomore year… all-conference… 25-3 at No. 4 singles her freshman year… all- conference and most improved player… USTA 18 and under JTT National participant      

Personal: Born on July 29, 1997… In Robbinsdale, Minn. to Scott and Rhonda Teske… She plans on majoring in Business with a minor in art and plans on combining her love with art with a career in business when she graduates

Kurtz on Teske: "Annika is a very strong player with an aggressive game. She has a big serve and big groundstrokes off both wings."