All-American Monday - Rodney "Rod" Mandelstam

Rodney “Rod”Mandelstam (1962-63)

Coral Gables, Fla. – Therewas no doubt about it. Johannesburg, South Africa native Rodney “Rod”Mandelstam knew how to play tennis long before he arrived at the University ofMiami. The former South African Juniors Singles Champion became the first everWimbledon Juniors Singles Champion. Because NCAA rules forbid freshman to playon varsity teams, Coral Gables along with the rest of nation would have to waituntil the start of the 1961-62 season to witness Mandelstam prowess on thecourts.

Click here to read SI’s article

In his first season as a Hurricane, Mandelstam wentundefeated in both singles (17-0) and doubles (15-0) play. On May 4, 1962, thelast match of the season, Mandelstam and the rest of the Canes traveled toChapel Hill, N.C., to compete against the University of North Carolina TarHeels. Both schools entered the match with win streaks. North Carolina with awin streak of 34 and Miami with a win streak of 105, at that time an all-timeintercollegiate record. The Tar Heels were being called “The Untouchables.”With Mandelstom leading the way, a 6-1, 6-1 victory over George Sokol, theHurricanes sweep “The Untouchables” pushing their consecutive win streak to106.

Starting his sophomore season in the No. 4 position, movingup the No. 2 position by the fifth match, and moving into the No. 1 position bythe seventh match of the season, Mandelstam would not look back. In singlescompetition, Mandelstam would post a 17-1 record with 26 consecutive victories datingback to his sophomore season. Teaming primarily with All-American John Hammill,for the second consecutive season, Mandelstam posted a perfect 13-0 doublesrecord.

Building on his success from the previous two seasons,Mandelstam went 13-2 in singles play. Mandelstam, partnered primarily withHammill for the third consecutive season, went 14-1 in doubles competition. Thefirst and only doubles loss of his Hurricanes career came by default.

Click here to view Mandelstam’s induction video

For his career, Mandelstam posted a singles record of 47-3and a 42-1 mark in doubles competition. In addition to his success on thecourt, Mandelstam starred on the field as well for the Hurricanes soccer team.Not only did Mandelstam succeed on the court, he succeeded off the court aswell. As a student, Mandelstam was placed on the Honor Roll. Several yearsafter he had graduated Mandelstam return to Miami and graduated with his lawdegree.  Due to his outstanding play,Mandelstam was selected as an All-American twice and elected into the UM Hallof Fame in 1990.