University of North Carolina Athletics
North Carolina Men's Tennis Signs Two Outstanding Recruits
December 6, 2011 | Men's Tennis
Dec. 6, 2011
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina men's tennis program announced the signing of Brett Clark and Stuart Depaolo to National Letters-of-Intent Tuesday afternoon. The two future Tar Heels signed their letters during the early recruiting period on November 2011.
Clark, from Naples, Fla., and Depaolo, a native of Asheville, N.C., will join the Tar Heels in the fall of 2012. They will be counted on to help replace Carolina's large senior class that competes in dual meet competition for the last time in sprint 2012. That class includes stalwarts Brennan Boyajian, Cameron Ahari, Joey Burkhardt, Zach Hunter and Alex Rafiee.
Clark is one of the most highly decorated players in the nation coming out of the high school ranks. In 2011, Clark was the Florida Open singles champion, a finalist at the National Clay Courts, and he made the round of 16 at National Hard Courts in Kalamazoo, Mich. He was ranked as high as #1 in Florida and #2 in the nation, and has earned a ranking of #8 in the nation for rising seniors in the tennisrecruiting.net ratings where he is assigned status as a blue chip recruit. He has experienced tremendous success in doubles as well including being a finalist at the National Spring Championships and a quarterfinalist at the National Hard Courts in Kalamazoo.
"I am so excited to choose the University of North Carolina," Clark said. "UNC has a tradition of excellence both academically and athletically, and it was definitely the program where I fit in the best. I loved the coaches, the team, and the facilities. I am excited to get a top notch education and compete for a national championship. I couldn't be happier about my decision, and I can't wait to start next fall."
Depaolo is a very accomplished player as well. According to the tennisrecruiting.net rankings, he is a five star recruit whose ranking has improved each of the last four years. He is the #2 ranked player in North Carolina and was as high as #62 in the nation in 2011. He reached the round of 16 at National Hard Courts in Kalamazoo and was a quarterfinalist at the National Open in Denver, Colo.
"The education along with the athletics program is unmatched," said Depaolo. "Out of all the schools I looked at Carolina jumped out at me most because of the opportunities it presented. UNC is a great fit for me and I couldn't imagine going anywhere else."
"We are very excited to announce the signings of Brett and Stuart. They are both excellent tennis players but also will fit in at Carolina very well. We expect they will be successful academically and add great chemistry to our team," said Sam Paul, the Tar Heels' head coach.
Players Mentioned
