Linsly Duo Inks College Plans
Ekanem heading to Radford for tennis, Hicks to run at WLU
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WHEELING -- A pair of Linsly student-athletes set their plans for the future in motion Thursday afternoon, signing letters of intent to continue their academic and athletic careers at the college level.
Rachel Ekanem signed with Division I Radford University to play tennis while Ally Hicks will join the cross country and track teams at nearby West Liberty University.
"I feel blessed and grateful," Ekanem said after signing. "I'm thankful for all the people who have supported me throughout the years, especially my dad, mom and coaches."
Ekanem is believed to be the first female tennis player from Linsly to sign a scholarship with a Division I school.
"It's a great opportunity and I can't thank everyone enough," she said. "It's a surreal experience for that to happen."
Ekanem has enjoyed a stellar career with the Cadets with her senior season upcoming. She has played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles since her freshman year in 2019.
"She's been my number one from the very beginning," said Linsly coach David Riethmiller. "I always thought she would have the opportunity to play (Division I)."
As a freshman, Ekanem went 13-1 in singles and doubles play and finished as the runner-up in both at the OVAC Tournament. The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID, but Ekanem returned to go 10-0 in singles and 6-1 in doubles in 2021. She took home both championships at the OVAC Tournament last spring.
"I was having a few doubts during my freshman and sophomore years but I just tried to push myself and work harder each day," Ekanem said. "I'm really glad it all paid off in the end."
Ekanem is a two-time All-OVAC first team selection and is the No. 2 ranked USTA female player in West Virginia.
Ekanem celebrated Thursday surrounded by friends and teammates on Linsly's campus. She was also accompanied by her parents, Andrea and Ibanga Ekanem and her younger brother Levi Ekanem, also a student at Linsly.
"It's a huge weight off my shoulders," she said of finishing her college recruitment. "I think my senior year will be the best year yet. Junior year was really tough for me so I'm sure this year will be amazing and I can't wait for it to happen."
Ekanem said she feels Radford, located in Virginia, will help her achieve beyond just the tennis court.
"I loved the school environment and facilities," she said. "As soon as I stepped (on campus) I felt comfortable and it felt like it would be a second home."
Photo by Cody Nespor
Linsly's Ally Hicks, center, signed her letter of intent to West Liberty University on Thursday. Hicks is accompanied by her mother Janet, left, and father Tim, right. In the back, left to right, are Linsly athletic director BJ Depew, cross country coach Crissy D'Aquila and assistant coach Nate Cumberworth.
Hicks was joined by her parents Tim and Janet Hicks and plans to run both cross country and track as a Hilltopper.
"It's just taking the next step to pursue my career in running," she said. "I've been running since sixth grade so I wanted to continue it in college and I feel that I can really continue to improve at the collegiate level."
Hicks wrapped up her cross country career in the fall by helping her team claim four meet titles, including the OVCCL Championship and OVAC runner-up, where she finished third
in the 3A division.
"I was worrying about (signing) during cross country (in the fall) because I really wanted to go somewhere for cross country specifically," Hicks said. "I still really like track and it's definitely a huge weight taken off my shoulders."
In track, Hicks runs the 1600 and 3200 meter races.
"Ally's leadership skills will be very hard to replace next year," said Linsly cross country coach Crissy D'Aquila. "She sets a great example for both our underclassmen and middle school athletes with her work ethic and sportsmanship."
Hicks said she first tried distance running in the sixth grade.
"I realized when I started that I wasn't really good as a sprinter, I wasn't that quick," she said. "I found out that I could run longer distances at a slower pace and just kept improving my time as the season went on."