Mustang chooses Volunteers

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Ashley Bongart has already made a name for herself on the tennis courts at Lakewood Ranch High.

Bongart, who will begin her senior year in two weeks, has been the Lady Mustangs’ No. 1 singles player over the past three years. She captured the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A Girls state individual and overall doubles championship with Cari Berry as a freshman.

But by this time next year, Bongart will have traded in her black and green for orange and white.

Last week, Bongart verbally committed to play for the University of Tennessee after receiving a full women’s tennis scholarship.

“Being part of Tennessee’s (athletic) tradition is a big honor,” Bongart says. “It means a lot to be able to play for a big SEC school. It means a lot to be a Lady Vol and the tradition that goes along with it. I’m just excited and focused on practicing and getting better.”

Bongart made an unofficial visit to Knoxville last summer and was drawn to Tennessee’s campus and tennis facilities.

“I just fell in love immediately,” Bongart says. “It had everything I wanted in a school. I felt really comfortable with the coaches. They are married and have a motherly and fatherly feel to them. I felt comfortable spending the next four years of my life with them.

“I feel like Tennessee was the best fit for me,” Bongart says. “Alabama already won the SEC championship, and I felt like at Tennessee, I had the opportunity to make an impact and there were things to accomplish there.”

Bongart made several unofficial visits before narrowing her choices to Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee. She went back and forth between Tennessee and Alabama before ultimately choosing Tennessee.

“It was definitely stressful,” Bongart says. “Some people find the recruiting process fun and some find it terrible. I’m happy it’s over, and I (know) I made the right decision.”

Bongart will make her official visit to Tennessee Sept. 5. She’ll return to the court in a USTA singles sectional event later this month in Delray Beach.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].