July 2, 2002

LUBBOCK, Texas - Sandy Collins, assistant coach for Texas Tech's women's tennis team, has received one of 16 invites to compete at The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club at the 2001 Wimbledon Championships. She will compete in the Ladies' Doubles event with Rosie Casals. Collins and Casals face Hana Mandlikova and Ilana Kloss in round robin play today.

"I am excited to receive the invitation and am looking forward to playing," Collins said. "It's truly an honor to be invited back to Wimbledon. This is the second year in a row I have been invited back. I may be considered a has-been, but it's still Wimbledon."

Collins, who played professionally for 17 years and was ranked among the world's top 20 players, will participate in the invitation only 35 and Over Ladies' Doubles Event.

Collins joined the professionally tour in 1980 following graduation from UT-Permian Basin and continued her pro career through 1995. During her 17 years, Collins posted several impressive victories, including beating Billie Jean King in 1982. Additionally, she defeated top-ranked Tracy Austin at the 1983 German Open. Collins was ranked as high as 17th in the world during her career.

The San Bernardino, Calif., native played in Wimbledon and the U.S. Open 17 times each and was paired in doubles with partners such as current defending French Open Champion Mary Pierce and Amanda Coetzer.

Collins is in her third year as assistant coach of the Red Raider women's tennis program.