MOBILE, Ala. – Javier Montoya is one of three newcomers set to take the court for the South Alabama men's tennis team this upcoming season. Over the next week, USAJaguars.com will sit down with each of the Jag newcomers.
 
Montoya is a freshman from Madrid, Spain where he played for the Club Team, Universidad Europea. Montoya helped lead his team to the Madrid championship and finished ranked No. 1 in the Madrid rankings and No. 4 in the national rankings.
 
The Jaguars will open the fall campaign September 17-19 at the Thomasville Invitational, the first of five tournaments this fall.
 
What were some of your accomplishments before coming to South Alabama?
"I played a lot in Spain. I won several regional tournaments. I've beaten several ranked players and one win came against the number seven ranked junior player. I haven't played a lot of tennis internationally, but I've played a lot in my country."

What are some of your goals for this upcoming season and the fall season?
"I want to get used to these courts and to get used to competing. I haven't competed in almost four months so, I want to compete to get ready for the spring. I want to play as high as possible in the lineup."

What stood out about South Alabama during the recruiting process?
"I was looking for a good team where I could start playing as the five or six. I didn't want to start somewhere playing as maybe the number two. I also like the facilities, so it was a good combination. I liked the campus and the nice weather."

At what age did you start playing tennis and what kept you interested?
"I'd say, my father. He likes sports so I played soccer, tennis and basketball. I liked tennis, so I started going to a tennis club when I was six or seven and here I am now."

What are some of your best skills on the tennis court?
"I think I have a good attacking game. I like to attack from the baseline. I don't have a huge serve or volley but I think I'm a complete player. I can hit good backhands and forehands."

Quick Hitters
Favorite team: Real Madrid
Favorite Athlete: Carlos Sainz
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite class: Economy

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
 
 Join the Baseline Club, the tennis-specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Baseline Club go directly to support the South Alabama men's and women's tennis programs. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/baselineclub
 
 —USA—