Sophomore Dean O'Brien earns ITA National Ranking
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - It was just a year ago that the Tennessee
Tech men's tennis team had its first player earn a singles ranking
in program history. Well, it now has two.
Sophomore Dean O'Brien has cracked into the rankings at the No. 113
spot in the most recent Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings
released today. Student assistant coach Borja Zarco is the only
other player in Golden Eagle history to earn a single ranking which
he had last season. He finished the season at the No. 107 spot.
"Dean has had a tremendous start to the year and we expect great
things from him for the 2009 season," said coach Dan Silverstein.
"He is such a coachable young man.:
O'Brien is 3-0 this spring all at the top singles spot. His biggest
win came over then No. 29 Clint Bowles at Florida State on January
17. He has also picked up wins over Florida A&M as well as
former OVC rival Middle Tennessee.
But Silverstein is wanting to share credit for getting O'Brien into
the rankings.
"Coach Zarco has a lot to do when it comes to getting dean ranked
in the top 125. Borja and Dean are probably the hardest working
assistant coach and player I have ever been fortunate to be around.
Their work ethic is unmatched."
