The Virginia Tech Hokies have seen both their men's and women's tennis programs have moderate success over the past few seasons with both programs solidifying themselves in the top 30 to 35 nationally with the Hokies seeming to be on the rise.
The Hokies have had some talented tennis players in the past, but one player has had one of the best seasons a Hokie tennis player has ever had, and was recognized nationally for it.
Senior Joao Monteiro was named an All-American and will be a top-16 seed in the NCAA Singles Tennis Championship along with earning a spot in the Doubles Championship with Andreas Bjerrehus. Monteiro is only the third All-American in the history of the men's program, joining 1996 All-American Oliver Mayo and 1999 All-American Aaron Marchetti.
Monteiro has gone 16-6 in dual meets as the Hokies' top player and 18-5 in tournaments this season on his way to receiving this recognition nationally. Monteiro won the ITA Atlantic Regional title in the final and made it to the Indoor Championship semifinals along with being ranked in the top 25 nationally throughout the season. Monteiro also received All-Conference honors this past season from the ACC.
Monteiro just jumped to the top of the ladder this past season for the Hokies after primarily being the number three guy as a junior and previously splitting time between the third and fourth spot as a sophomore. Monteiro's quick rise in his senior season could also be a sign of a bright future for him if he decides to turn professional.
With his impressive senior season, Joao Monteiro will go down as one of the best men's tennis players to play at Virginia Tech. Now, Monteiro's focus will be on trying to win a national title while the Hokies hope to keep developing their next All-Americans.
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