WILMINGTON, N.C. – Tennis recruiting web site TennisRecruiting.net has ranked UNC Wilmington’s men’s tennis recruiting class at the 18^th best nationally among mid-major programs. The web site’s rating is based on commitments obtained by May 15, 2008.

            “When we evaluate players, we look at their results, character, work ethic, upside potential and, most importantly, the burning desire to reach their absolute potential," said Head Coach Mait Dubois. “Each of these players rate strongly in all of these categories and will be great additions to our program.”

Joining the Seahawks next year will be Ryan Anthony Ybarra (All-Saints Episcopal HS/Palestine, Texas), Anton Nikolov (Ashland HS/Ashland, MA) and Dirk Bair (Berkeley HS/Moncks Corner, S.C.).

Ybarra, ranked fourth in Boy’s 18-under by the USTA in Texas, is a five-star recruit by TennisRecruiting.net. He won five rounds at the National Event Copper Bowl last January and also had several victories in International Level Junior events. In addition, he has competed in ATP Futures events. “Ryan enjoyed a lot of success at the junior level and is a very talented player,” Dubois said. “He told me he wanted to go somewhere that would help him reach his goal of playing professionally and I knew he would be a good fit for our program. I am excited to see how good Ryan can become when he is able to train with top players on a daily basis.”

Nikolov received a four-star rating from TennisRecruiting.net and is ranked eighth in New England, ranking in the Top 100 nationally among recruits. “From the moment Anton stepped on campus you could tell that he really connected with UNCW.  He had a great visit and was a good fit with our team right away. He has had some great results in the juniors and I think the only thing missing for him to be among the nation’s elite is the right training environment.” 

Bair, meanwhile, was one of the top three players in South Carolina. He went undefeated at No. 1 singles for five years in high school/during his prep career. DuBois said:  “I’ve known Dirk for a long time and he is one of the most underrated prospects in the country. He is extremely talented and a very, very intense competitor. His coachability and work ethic will be keys to his success at the Division I level. He will be the player that in a couple years everybody will be talking about and wondering where he came from.”   

The Seahawks, who ended their 2007-08 season at 15-7 after falling to Virginia Commonwealth in the semifinals of the 2008 Colonial Athletic Association men’s tennis championships, return their top five players, including two seniors, to the court next year.

 “It’s always nice when our team gets recognized and I am very pleased with this recruiting class. My message to recruits all year has been that UNCW and our tennis program are the best kept secret in the country for what we have to offer. It’s obvious that people are starting to take notice and being recognized at the national level.”