Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Tennis Coach Jason Pasion today announced the signing of Matthew Garcia (Muntinlupa, Philippines) to a National Letter of Intent. Garcia will arrive at Hofstra in the fall 2021 to begin his collegiate career.

"Matthew is an extremely talented player and is one of the top recruits that Hofstra has ever signed," commented Pasion. "He has played at a high level on the junior circuit and is a member of the Philippines Junior Davis Cup Team. I look forward to Matthew joining us next fall."

Garcia attends the Brent International School in Manila, Philippines. He was a member of the tennis team as a freshman before concentrating on junior and international competition. In his lone season on the team, Garcia was Most Valuable Player and won the Sportsmanship Award.

Competing in the International Tennis Federation, Garcia has compiled 39 singles victories since 2017 including two in limited completion in 2020. He is currently ranked 597th in the world by the ITF and was ranked as high as 417 in December 2019. Garcia also has 39 doubles victories on the Junior circuit and won six doubles titles since 2018.

A gifted student, Garcia has been on the Headmaster's List since his freshman year, signifying a 3.5 or better grade point average.

Garcia's mother, Dyan Castillejo-Garcia, was a former professional tennis player and is currently a sports journalist. She was the first Filipino to earn a WTA women's ranking during her career from 1981 to 1990.  

Garcia plans to major in business or economics at Hofstra.