University of Minnesota Athletics
Long Island Tennis Standout Signs With Gophers
11/18/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Brendan Ruddock, who placed fifth in the New York state tennis tournament, has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the men’s tennis team at the University of Minnesota.
Ruddock, a Ronkonkoma, N.Y. native who attended Connetquot High School, became the first player from his high school to win the Suffolk County singles championship. He finished the season 20-1 overall and was the consolation champion at the state tournament.
Ruddock was named to the Newsday All-Long Island boys’ tennis team last spring. He won three consecutive U.S. Tennis Association Eastern Section titles and was ranked No. 1 in the section in the under-16 age group. Ruddock also captured a goal medal in the doubles in the Empire State Games.
“Brendan is a player who will build his game around his big forehand and serve,” Minnesota coach Geoff Young said. “He is 6’3 and still only 16 years of age. He possesses the ability to hit other players off the court with the velocity of his groundstrokes. I am very excited about the opportunity to work with Brendan and watch him develop into a premier college player.”
