Johnson City, Tenn. (May 15, 2002) � East Tennessee State women's tennis head coach Steve Brooks Wednesday announced that Jewel Aldea (Charleston, S.C.) will play for the Bucs beginning in the 2002-03 season while attending school on an academic scholarship. Aldea was the No. 1-ranked junior player in South Carolina last year, playing at Bishop England High School in Charleston, S.C. Jewel was named the 2001 South Carolina Most Improved Player after progressing from a medium-level player to the best player in the state in just her first season at 18's. She began competing on the USTA national level last year. Also an excellent student, Aldea earned a full honors scholarship at ETSU. "I am delighted to have Jewel playing for me beginning next year, she will definitely help us improve from last year," Brooks said Wednesday morning. "She is strong, fast, quick, smart and understands how to win. I firmly believe that Jewels best and most rewarding tennis is ahead of her."