NOVEMBER 15, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa - Drake head men's tennis coach Evan Austin has announced the signing of prep standout Ben Lott (Newcastle, England/Newcastle School for Boys) to a national letter of intent to join the Bulldog program for the 2012-13 academic year.

"Ben is going to be another great addition to our program, and someone who I believe will make an immediate impact," Austin commented.  "He possesses a lot of weapons and I'm excited to help him develop his skills when he arrives on campus next fall.  He's a very competitive guy and I know he'll help us continue to compete at the top of the MVC and on a national level."

Lott is the third-rated player in British Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Boys 18 and under national rankings and No. 98 in men's national open rankings. This past August, he advanced to the quarterfinals of the British Junior Nationals. He captured the National Junior Club League crown in 2011 after runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2010.

Lott is the first student-athlete to sign a national letter of intent with Austin and the Bulldogs for the 2012-13 campaign.