CHARLESTON, Ill. - Eastern Illinois men's tenis head coach Sam Kercheval announced the signing of Canadian international Gage Kingsmith for the upcoming 2016-17 tennis season earlier this morning.

Kingsmith comes to EIU from Calgary, Alberta where he was ranked as high as No. 2 for Boys Under 18 Singles during his young career. His stellar singles play has also ranked him as high as No. 56 in the country for boys under 18. No slouch on the doubles side of play either, Kingsmith is also ranked in the top 50 in Canada in doubles play.

"We are very excited to have Gage coming to play for Eastern Illinois," said coach Kercheval. "On the court he plays with a big serve and forehand and likes indoor tennis which will suit us well given how our season usually goes. When he came for a visit, he was excited about our tennis program, facilities, academics, the people he met and literally everything else."

Kingsmith is interested in studying business and plans to enter the Lumpkin School of Business at EIU.

"His passion and enthusiasm for everything is off the charts and will really set the tone. His steady improvement through the recruitment process and his passion really showed he will be a great addition to our team."