MTEN: Smith announces addition of TJ Pura in 2013-14

Duke

MTEN: Smith announces addition of TJ Pura in 2013-14

Nov 20, 2012

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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.