Hancock and Beckloff sign to play college tennis

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Seniors Ella Hancock and Hannah Beckloff checked off major goals this week as they each signed to continue their athletic and academic careers at the college level.

Hancock, who is home schooled but competes for Rapid City Christian, signed a letter of intent to play women’s tennis for the University of Sioux Falls.

The senior has won back-to-back Flight 1 singles and doubles state titles for the Comets.

“My decision actually went really smoothly which I was very thankful to have,” said Ella Hancock. “I know some people really go back and forth and back and forth. But the second I met the coaches and the players, I knew that’s the place where I wanted to go. I felt very welcomed which is what I was l looking for because I didn’t want to go somewhere where I had to beg to be able to participate.” 

Hannah Beckloff, who is also homeschooled, plans to continue her tennis career at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.

Last fall, Beckloff finished third in Flight 2 singles at the State ‘A’ tournament.

Plus, she teamed up with Hancock to win the Flight 1 doubles championships.

“I was looking for a nursing school since I’m going to major in nursing,” said Hannah Beckloff. “They have a really great program. Of course I was also looking for a great tennis program. The coach there really impacted me and has already been contacting me and speaking to me. One of also the biggest things was I really think that I will grow my relationship with Christ there.”