FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern tennis team will enter the spring ranked 21st in the nation according to the ITA Division II Preseason Rankings released Wednesday.

NSU traditionally opens the season in the top 25 along with several squads from the NCAA South Region, recognized as the nation's toughest region. The Sharks are ranked ninth in the initial regional rankings. The Sunshine State Conference is predicted to be the strongest in DII, with eight of nine teams appearing in the national rankings.

Alexandra Johansson (Jr., Sydney, Australia) is expected to be one of the strongest tennis players in the country this season, coming in at 37th in the nation as an individual. She was also ranked 12th among singles players in the south. Johansson is a former NCAA All-American and All-SSC selection.

The Sharks had a strong fall season, competing in three tournaments. They will head into the spring with a new head coach in Stephen Schram. NSU will return all but one student-athlete from the 2012 team.