DURHAM, N.C. – Duke men's tennis head coach Ramsey
Smith announced on Monday the addition of TJ Pura to the program for the
2013-14 season.
“Jonathan [Stokke] and I are thrilled to have TJ Pura join
our program next fall,” Smith said. “TJ embodies all the characteristics we
look for in a Duke student-athlete, and he will fit into our program nicely. TJ
has an excellent all-court game and is probably the most positive and energetic
person I have ever recruited. He brings positive energy to everything he does
which will be contagious in our team environment. TJ has an incredible work
ethic, and I believe he has the potential of competing at the highest level of
college tennis in singles and doubles.”
Pura is a blue chip recruit currently ranked 20th by Tennisrecruiting.net and has been ranked
as high as fifth by the recruiting service. A native of Pacific Palisades,
Calif., Pura holds an overall singles record of 30-14 against national
opponents this year, including an impressive 10-3 mark against five-star
recruits. In 2011, he captured the singles title at the Boys 18 USTA National
Open. In addition, he has accumulated three USTA Gold Balls, which are awarded
to the winners of the largest US national tournaments each year.
Pura will begin competing with the Blue Devils during the
2013-14 season.
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