3-time TAPPS tennis state champ Fran Gamez signs with UTRGV

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — St. Joseph Academy's Fran Gamez signed his letter of intent with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley after a decorated high school career.

In Gamez's three seasons with the Bloodhounds, he was unmatched. Fran won the TAPPS state title in tennis all three seasons with the program.

It was always Gamez's dream to continue his tennis career, and he felt UTRGV gave him the best shot of growing on the court.

"I think it's a great opportunity to play," Gamez said. "Since it's a D-I, I'm pretty sure I'm going to have a lot of competition and gain great experience."

Gamez knows the transition from high school to collegiate competition will come with growing pains, but Fran is in it for the long haul.

"Hopefully, I can play in the lineup," he said. "If it's not this year, maybe next year, but I'll just do a good job and practice everyday and get along with my teammates and the coaches over there."