Valparaiso University head coach Jim Daugherty has announced that Daniel Oakes has signed a National Letter of Intent to play tennis for the Crusaders.

Oakes, a native of Elburn, Ill., finished ninth at the Illinois state championships in doubles as a junior.  He has qualified for the state championships all three seasons at Saint Charles North High School.  Oakes has also been named an All-State selection each of the last two years for the North Stars.

“I believe Danny’s best days are ahead of him,” Daugherty said.  “He has continued to improve each year in high school and I believe he will make an even bigger jump once he gets exposure to the college circuit.  He also demonstrates the strong character that I expect out of all of my student-athletes.”

Oakes will join the Crusader program in the fall of 2012 and have four years of eligibility at Valpo.