Delaney Keirn (center) signed her letter of intent to continue her tennis career at Trine Friday evening. Pictured, in front from left, Claudia Keirn, Delaney and Shannon Keirn. In the back, Whitko tennis coach Ben Ogden and Whitko AD Josh Mohr. (Photos by Nick Goralczyk)

SOUTH WHITLEY — Signed, sealed, delivered, she’s theirs.

Friday afternoon Whitko senior Delaney Keirn signed her letter of intent to continue her tennis playing career with Trine University.

“It really boosts my confidence to get this done before the start of the season, that way I don’t get sad or worried about it,” a relieved Keirn said, with a laugh. “Knowing I’m going somewhere next year will help me to enjoy this season a lot more.”

Keirn, a product of the close-knit feel of Whitko, was impressed with the comfortable feel of the Angola school.

“I love how it feels like home,” Keirn expressed. “Everyone is so welcoming, it’s a very humble place. I really like how that feels.”

The senior spent the majority of her junior campaign as the No. 2 singles player for Whitko with a little time spent at No. 3 singles. But this year Keirn is hoping to enjoy the experience and leave with a winning mark.

“I really want to have a winning record,” said the future Thunder athlete. “I really want to enjoy this season as much as possible, I feel we have a good team and I just want it to be a fun year.”

While Keirn is focused on the fun side of her final year on the courts in South Whitley, she’ll be all business next fall with her studies.

“I’ve been in engineering classes the past three years,” Keirn explained when asked about her field of study. “I really like the programming and design part of the field. I’m set on engineering, I’m just undecided on whether or not I want to do biomedical or civil engineering.”

Keirn and the Wildcats start their season April 10 at West Noble. Whitko’s first home match will be April 13 against Northfield.