Women's Tennis Nets Top Recruits
December 18, 2002 | Women's Tennis
The Badger women's tennis team has signed three student-athletes to letters of intent, including the top two state players in Caitlin Burke (Cedarburg, Wis.) and Kaylan Caiati (Greendale, Wis.). 'Caitlin and Kaylan are probably the best 1-2 players to come out of Wisconsin since Tami and Teri Whitlinger (1983-86),' said head coach Patti Henderson. 'They went on to be ranked among the top 50 in the world. '
The third member of next year's freshman class is Nicole Beck (Lawrenceville, Ga.), who ranks second in the state of Georgia among 18-year olds.
'This class is exceptional,' said Henderson. 'They are great individuals and will have the opportunity to improve and make an impact on our program.'
Burke is a four-time Division I state champion, going 22-0 this year and finishing with a 108-0 high school mark. Caiati also claimed the Division II state title four straight years. Her high school record was 106-3, with all three losses against Burke. Before Burke and Caiati, one player - Teri Whitlinger of Neenah - in state history had won four consecutive state titles. Only 29 other players in the NATION have won their respective state tennis titles four straight years.
Caiati was the Midwest's top player five years in a row and won the 16's Midwest Indoor Tournament. She teamed up with Burke in doubles to place fourth at the 14's National Hardcourt (1999).
Beck is ranked 86th in the latest 2002 USTA rankings (girls 18-year olds) and is fourth in the southern region. Since August, she has been practicing and competing in world events as an amateur and could receive a world ranking in doubles when the January rankings are released. This past April Beck was a finalist in doubles at the USTA National Open and won the singles title in March competing in Georgia's Supercircuit.
