Lara Gallagher, a nationally ranked women's tennis player at University of South Carolina Lancaster, has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend William Jewell College this fall.

"Lara will be a great addition to our program," William Jewell College women's tennis coach Paul Worstell said. "She is a hard-working player who is a strong singles and doubles competitor."

Gallagher a native of New South Wales, Australia, fell in the consolation bracket at No. 1 singles at the National Junior College Athletic Association championships in 2012, helping USC Lancaster to finish 21st in the nation. She was ranked 23rd in the NJCAA in doubles competition.

"Lara will be able to step right in to the starting lineup," Worstell said. "I think she will make an immediate impact."

The Cardinals finished their spring season 14-7 and fell to Lewis University in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament quarterfinals on April 19.