Sept. 16, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The ITA released its preseason rankings Tuesday afternoon, with senior Rhys Johnson and sophomore Daniel Valent both earning spots in singles and doubles rankings.
After earning Second Team All-SEC, All-Freshman team and Ohio Valley Regional Player to watch accolades last year, Valent jumps 36 spots to No. 49 in the nation. The Zurich, Switzerland native dropped only three dual matches last season and garnered the title of SEC Freshman of the Week on Jan. 22nd.
Johnson enters his final season with the black and gold ranked No. 116 by the ITA. A native of Perth, Australia, Johnson went 6-9 against ranked opponents last season playing primarily at the No. 2 spot in the Vanderbilt lineup.
Coming off a phenomenal doubles season with Gonzales Austin, Johnson enters the fall tournament season ranked in tandems once again. Although the duo has yet to compete together, Johnson and Valent premiere in the rankings at No. 21.