Destin's Guarachi is Bama bound

Destin’s Alexa Guarachi signed with the University of Alabama last week to play tennis.

Guarachi, who is rated as the No. 10 senior college prospect in the country by tennisrecruiting.net, is estimated to be the seventh generation in her family to attend the Capstone.

“We are thrilled to have Alexa join our Alabama family,” said Alabama Tennis Coach Jenny Mainz. “Alexa comes from a rich tradition of Alabama ties as she is the seventh generation to be a part of the Crimson Tide. It’s very exciting to have a commitment from someone that has always bled Crimson and is so intent on leaving a lasting legacy at Alabama. Alexa certainly possesses the talent, desire and leadership to be an integral part of our women’s tennis program. She undoubtedly will be a difference-maker immediately.”

Guarachi is ranked in the top 80 in the world in juniors by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in addition to being ranked in the top 10 nationally in juniors. She has played in all four Tennis Grand Slams, the French Open, Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon. Guarachi also won the coveted U.S. National Clay Court Singles Championship at the age of 14. She currently holds a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) ranking.

“Alexa’s experience is vast as she has traveled the world playing in over 23 countries,” Mainz said. “She is a great competitor and knows how to win. Alexa has delivered some impressive results capturing over five ITF titles in her junior career. I’m confident that she has the tools and knowledge to continue on this successful path at the Capstone.”

Guarachi’s family has multiple ties to Alabama. Her father, Fernando, played tennis for the Tide in the 1970s and was the first international player recruited for the men’s program. Her great grandfather, Hilmon Holley, was a member of the 1930 National Championship football team. Julia Tutwiler, who has a dormitory named after her on campus, is Guarachi’s fourth great aunt. Colonel McCorvey, another prominent Capstone figure, is her fourth great grandfather.

The Destin native will join the Tide after completing her high school career. Guarachi was homeschooled through Florida Virtual School and will attend South Walton High School for her last semester before graduating. Her parents are Fernando and Holley Guarachi, and she has one sister, Carolina, and one brother, Stefan. Guarachi plans to pursue a degree in a sports oriented field at Alabama.

“This is a big-time commitment for our Alabama tennis program,” Mainz said. “I’m convinced that Alexa has the capabilities and the aspiration to lead Alabama to soaring heights.”

This article was provided by Rolltide.com.