The Illinois women’s tennis team will add even more talent to an already young squad. On Wednesday, head coach Michelle Dasso announced the signing of five-star recruits Chelcie Abajian and Amy Allin. Both signed National Letters of Intent and will join the Illini for the 2008 season.

“We couldn’t be more excited to add Amy and Chelcie to our team,” Dasso said in a press release. “Both girls have tremendous character and work ethic, which will fit in nicely at Illinois.”

Abajian, who hails from Commack, N.Y., is ranked No. 23 in the Middle Atlantic Region, and has been ranked as high as No. 25 in the country in her class. She also has been ranked as high as No. 1 in the nation in Girls 16s doubles and earned a spot on the 2006 Eastern Intersectional Team. Her best performance on the court was when she won the 2006 Girls 16s National Open in singles.

Meanwhile, Allin, who went to high school in Dallas, comes from a long line of tennis players. Her brother Timmy is playing in his second year at the University of Utah, her sister, Alex, played two years at Texas Christian, and both her parents played at TCU. Allin is ranked No. 4 in Texas and the Gulf State Region. She has been ranked as high as No. 42 nationally in her class. Allin played for Lake Highlands High School her freshman and sophomore years and has been home-schooled for her junior and senior year so she can focus on tennis.

“The coaching staff is confident these two young ladies will make a positive impact on our program in years to come,” Dasso said.

With the addition of two talented players, next year’s team hopes to build off of its growth this season.