University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Signs Two Prospects
November 23, 2015 | Men's Tennis
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.- The University of North Carolina men's tennis program announced on Monday the signing of two outstanding prospects, Simon Friis Soendergaard and Joshua Peck, to National Letters of Intent. They will join the team in the fall of 2016.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Simon and Josh to the University of North Carolina,” UNC coach Sam Paul said. "Simon has significant experience playing all over the world, while Josh has benefitted from training under the Tennis Canada umbrella the last two years. We expect them to continue to grow and develop with our team in Chapel Hill. Both Simon and Josh have great work ethic and outstanding character, and have shown their potential on the international stage. They will without a doubt have a huge impact on our program.”
Soendergaard, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, was ranked as high as No. 31 in the ITF Junior World Rankings. In September, he advanced to the singles quarterfinals of the ITF Futures in Turkey. Sondergaard was coached by Kenneth Carlsen, who achieved a top 50 ATP singles ranking and played in 46 Grand Slams during his career. Soendergaard was a competitor in the main draws of all four Grand Slams during his junior career, including reaching the Junior U.S. Open doubles quarterfinals. In addition, Soendergaard captured one of the ITF's most prestigious events, winning the Mayors Cup (Grade A) in Osaka, Japan. He also has won 30 Danish titles (singles, doubles, team).
"After I went on my visit, I knew UNC was the right place for me to maximize my development as a tennis player,” Soendergaard said. “The coaching staff, facilities and team members will help me achieve my ultimate goal of playing professional tennis.”
Peck, from Calgary, Alberta, is currently ranked No. 3 in the Canadian Boys U18's. Peck has an impressive run of events over the past two summers. In July, at the age of 16, he captured his first ITF Pro Circuit MD singles win at the Kelowna Futures. Peck also won the ITF (Grade 4) Junior singles title in Vancouver. Last summer, Peck reached the doubles semifinals at the Pan American ITF in Tulsa and won the doubles title of the Saville ITF in Edmonton.
Peck won the U16 Canadian Jr. National (outdoor) Doubles title in Mississauga and was a Doubles Finalist at both the U18 Outdoor and Indoor Junior Nationals.
“As soon as I visited I knew UNC was the right school for me,” Peck said. “The team, Coach Paul and Coach Phillips really made me feel part of the UNC family. UNC allows me to continue to reach my full potential as a tennis player while getting a first-class business degree.”
