They were already friends and classmates at Auburn High School, and on Tuesday Clair Minnoe and Ali VanGiesen shared a very special moment in their lives, both making their college choices official. Minnoe, a five-time defending section three tennis champion, signed her letter of intent with St. Joseph's in Philadelphia, while Auburn softball star VanGiesen is headed to Niagara.
Minnoe says she wanted to go to school in a major city, and instantly fell in love with St. Joseph's campus, tennis team and it's coaches.
"I can't believe that I've finally made my decision," says Minnoe, "it's been a long term goal of mine to play division one tennis and it's finally happening, and it feels great."
VanGiesen is coming off a season where she was named first-team all-league, first-team all-section and the league's player of the year. She attributes her success to those around her, and say those outside influences are the reason why she has this great opportunity.
"(I couldn't have accomplished this) without all the practices and people in my life pushing me," reflects VanGiessen, "I definitely want to thank them because without them pushing me I wouldn't have been able to do it."
