Vallverdu Named Southeast Region Player to Watch

May 10, 2008

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Coral Gables, Fla… Four-time All-American Daniel Vallverdu of the University of Miami men’s tennis team has been tabbed the Southeast Region’s Player to Watch by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.<?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>

The junior is among eight regional winners selected from across the country, becoming a finalist for the national award to be announced on May 20. The ITA Player to Watch Award goes to a player who has an outstanding season and is expected to perform at a high level the rest of his career. The award’s criteria also includes a player’s sportsmanship and character.

A program-best three-time All-ACC Men’s Tennis Team and All-ACC Academic Team selection, Vallverdu ranks among the nation’s top five in both singles and doubles play, competing at the No. 1 position for the Hurricanes. With a pair of wins in the first round of the NCAA Tournament today, he is a team-best 28-8 in singles action and 24-7 in doubles play alongside freshman Carl Sundberg.

Vallverdu has posted back-to-back 20-win seasons in singles competition and ranks among UM’s top 10 in that category. In doubles play, his 26 wins (two with teammate David Rosenfeld) ties for second best in the Miami record book.

In addition to continuing NCAA team competition with the Hurricanes, Vallverdu will also advance to the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship to vie for a national title in singles and doubles competition.