Halfway across the world on another continent, Nik Scholtz is competing in his first tournament as a pro, and Wednesday Ole Miss men’s tennis head coach Toby Hansson delivered news that left his former star player speechless on the phone.
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced the final Oracle/ITA Individual Rankings, and Scholtz earned a ranking of No. 19 in singles, which makes him the first four-time All-American in program history.
“This has always been one of my goals,” Scholtz said. “When it starts becoming a reality, it adds a little bit of pressure, because it’s such a huge piece of history. I had basically made peace when I left here that it just wasn’t meant to be, so I am really thrilled. It’s the icing on a great cake.”
Scholtz had a decision to make regarding his future when he left here after the 2014 season. He could turn pro or come back for his senior year. After playing in tournaments last summer and fall, Scholtz opted to return, saying he wanted to finish what he started and earn his degree.
He did both. Starting out the spring unranked after not competing in the fall, Scholtz finished with a 16-6 record and posted 11 nationally-ranked wins, including five against players in the final top 20. Scholtz also became the first player in the program to earn All-SEC first team honors all four years.
“I am thrilled I was able to end my career on a high note,” Scholtz added. “I am happy that I was able to have four consistent years, which is not easy to do. I want to thank everyone at the university and the coaches for their support.”
“To be an All-American one time in college is a great achievement, to be one four times is phenomenal,” Hansson said. “He only played one semester his freshman and senior years, which makes it even more impressive. It’s not easy to become an All-American in one semester. He had great success and consistency here, and it shows how good of a player he is. We are really happy for him and proud that he made history.”
Junior Stefan Lindmark finished the year ranked No. 78 in singles with a 21-10 overall record, 15-4 in dual matches. He earned All-SEC first team honors and became the fifth player in school history to go undefeated in conference play.
Ole Miss had two doubles teams finish the year ranked, with Scholtz and Zvonimir Babic at No. 31 and Gustav Hanssonand William Kallberg at No. 57.
For more information on Ole Miss Men’s Tennis, follow the Rebels on Twitter at @OleMissMTennis, on Facebook at OleMissMTennis and on Instagram at OleMissMTennis.
Courtesy of Ole Miss Sports Information
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