Jan. 28, 2011

Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham men's tennis coach Cory Hubbard announced the addition of three players for the 2011-12 season, which includes two signees, Peder Gram (Portland, Oregon/Jesuit) and Shuo Wang (Beijing, China/Pendleton School), and one transfer from San Diego State, Kuba Kowalski (Krakow, Poland/Piarist Gimnazyum).

"I am very excited about my first recruiting class. Each of these players adds experience and depth, and should contribute in the lineup immediately," said Coach Hubbard. "I am looking for players with a strong work ethic, who really want to develop their games and are committed to turning this program into a conference champion during their tenure. All of these recruits are excited to build something special here at Fordham."

Kowalski is a standout transfer from San Diego State, who saw action for the nationally-ranked Aztecs last season. Prior to his time in San Diego, he was ranked as high as #2 as a junior player in Poland, winning several Polish national championships. Last year, he saw most of his action as a singles player, while only playing doubles once. As a transfer, he will be redshirting due to NCAA regulations, and will have three years remaining, beginning in the fall.

"Having Kuba transfer to Fordham is going to have an immediate impact," said Hubbard. "He will be one of the top players in the Atlantic 10 for several years. His international tournament experience, along with playing for a nationally ranked program like San Diego State, will also play a big role in helping improve the other players and leading by example. I believe Kuba has a legitimate chance to be the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and an Academic All-American."

Gram, a native of Portland, Oregon, has won several Pacific Northwest Sectional Doubles Championships, as well as the Oregon State Doubles Championships. He also helped Jesuit High School to multiple 6A State Championships. According to TennisRecruiting.net, Peder is listed as a 3-Star recruit and is ranked as the 3rd-highest prospect in Oregon and the 10th-highest in the Northwest Region.

Wang, a native of Beijing, China, is the second incoming international player in this year's recruiting class. He is currently living and training at the IMG Bollitieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Founded in 1978, the IMG Bollettieri Tennis Academy was the first full-time tennis boarding school to combine intense training on the court with a custom-designed academic curriculum.

"In addition to these three players, I am still recruiting hard and looking to add another one or two more recruits to this class in the late signing period," said Hubbard.