May 1, 2008

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Southern Miss men's tennis coach Teddy Viator announced the signing of Paticio Alvarado of Mantu, Ecuador to a national letter-of-intent for the 2008-09 academic year.

Alvarado holds a No. 23 world-ranking in the International Tennis Federation juniors' single circuit. He also is ranked No. 667 in the world in the ATP in doubles and 884 in singles. Alvarado, considered as one of the top juniors in the world, reached the round of 32 at Wimbledon and the French Open in junior doubles. He is No. 1 ranked junior in Ecuador.

"We are excited to sign one of the top juniors in the world," Viator said. "He has a wealth of international experience and we are looking forward to him having an immediate impact on our program."

Alvarado is the highest rated player to sign at Southern Miss.