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Orange County Breakers

Orange County Breakers Add Nicole Gibbs to Roster

March 11, 2016 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Orange County Breakers News Release


NEWPORT BEACH, CALIF. - The Orange County Breakers have announced that Southern California resident and 2015 Mylan World TeamTennis first round draft pick Nicole Gibbs will compete for the Breakers in 2016.  Gibbs, a 2012-13 Honda Sports Award recipient, was quick to express her excitement about playing for the Breakers this summer. 

"I'm really happy to be playing for the Orange County Breakers during their first season back," said Gibbs. "With the venue so close to my home, I can't wait to engage my community and get to know more tennis fans in Southern California. I have heard nothing but great things about the fans and atmosphere from when the Breakers were last in Orange County, so I can't wait for the season to begin."

The Orange County-based franchise was quick to pull the trigger on Gibbs' due to her current form and past success in Mylan WTT. In 2015, Gibbs was second among women's singles players in Mylan WTT for total games won with 47. The former Stanford standout is also on a current tear on the WTA Tour, winning 19 of her last 24 professional matches, a streak dating back to 2015 when she reached the final of the Carlsbad Classic. Gibbs, who is competing this week at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, is currently ranked No. 95 in singles.

Gibbs' accomplishments at the professional level caught few by surprise due to her previous success at Stanford. Gibbs won two NCAA singles titles (2012-13) during her time in Palo Alto to go along with a doubles title (2012) and team title (2013). She was also recognized as a five-time All-American at the Pac-12 school.

"Having a local and experienced player like Nicole (Gibbs) is exciting for the team and our fans," said Breakers head coach Rick Leach. "She played a huge role in leading this franchise to a Western Conference Championship and the Mylan WTT Final in 2015."

The Breakers were able to select Gibbs before the Mylan WTT draft due to the league's player protection rule.

"Nicole Gibbs was a first round draft selection of this franchise last year when the team was based in Texas," said Breakers General Manager Allen Hardison. "That essentially gives us the first right of refusal as the league allows you to protect players who were on your team the previous year. Once we found out Nicole had signed to play Mylan WTT this season, we were quick to submit our protection form to assure she would play for us this season."

The Breakers will finalize their roster during the 41st edition of the Mylan WTT Draft, which will take place March 25 in Miami.  With the recent addition of Gibbs, Orange County will need to draft a minimum of three more players for the upcoming season.  The Breakers still have their first round Marquee Draft pick available to go along with a complement of second through fourth round Roster Draft picks.

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