Commitment Announcement
Countdown: Howells Chooses the Irish
by Rhiannon Potkey, 12 October 2015
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William Howells wanted to find a college with a strong academic background. He wanted to find a college with a good athletic reputation.
But Howells also wanted something more.
He believes he found it at the University of Notre Dame.
"The coaches at Notre Dame really prioritize good character as well as player development, which means a lot to me," Howells said. "I think it's important to build yourself as a person - in life and not just in work or sports. Building as a person on a foundation of good values, continuing to develop a strong work ethic and operating with integrity is important to me and my family."
Howells has verbally committed to Notre Dame. The class of 2017 blue-chip recruit was also considering Illinois, Ohio State, Florida, Dartmouth, Princeton and Harvard.
Howells made an unofficial campus visit to Notre Dame in early September. He was able to watch the Fighting Irish football team beat Texas in the season opener.
"It was a pretty cool experience," Howells said. "I got to experience life on campus, stay with one of the guys in the dorms. I got to meet the team and was impressed with all the guys."
Howells is originally from Richmond, Virginia, but resides in Boca Raton, Florida.
He moved to Florida two years ago to train at an academy. His parents followed him a year later.
Howells does online schooling through Laurel Springs, and has been training with coach Cyril Saulnier at ProWorld Tennis Academy for the last few months. He also trains with the USTA.
An Eagle Scout, Howells wasn't born with a tennis racket in his hand.
In fact, nobody in his family played tennis until his sister took a few clinics at a country club in Virginia.
Howells decided to try, and he discovered he really enjoyed the sport.
