LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Julie Gonzalez and Imperia Mora Martinez have signed to play women's tennis at the University of West Alabama, according to an announcement today by head coach Jeff Beaman.
 
Gonzalez comes to UWA from the University of Mount Olive, where she earned the 2017 Conference Carolinas Scholar-Athlete of the Year for women's tennis and also played basketball.
 
A native of Mechelen, Belgium, Gonzalez was first-team all-conference and earned all-conference doubles honors after going 10-1 at No. 2 singles and 10-1 at No. 1 doubles for UMO.
 
Gonzalez earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Olive in Exercise Science with a minor in coaching and was a 2016-17 ITA All Academic Honor and Conference Carolinas Presidential Honor Roll designee.
 
"Julie comes to UWA as a graduate student," UWA head coach Jeff Beaman said. "I look for her to bring experience and a strong level of play to our program."
 
A freshman, Mora Martinez comes to UWA from Mexico, where she was ranked as high as fourth nationally and as the top player in her state.
 
"Imperia is a physically imposing player who has a ton of potential," Beaman said. "She is a great addition to our women's team that should compete for the conference title this spring."
 
West Alabama opens its spring season with an exhibition match against Alcorn State on Jan. 23 at the Vaughan Tennis Complex on the UWA campus.