Back To The NCAA Final Four

Nov. 27, 2001

By Kimberly Ling
Assistant Sports Information Director

They've been friends most of their lives. They came to Ole Miss together four years ago from their home country of Sweden. They have enjoyed stellar careers,beginning with a Southeastern Conference regular season title and an NCAA final four in their freshman year. Four years later, the dynamic duo is embarking on their final campaign as members of the Rebel tennis team,hoping to depart Ole Miss the same way they began their journey here.

Seniors Kristofer Stahlberg and Martin Selin won over the Ole Miss fans - not to mention head coach Billy Chadwick - the minute they stepped on the court for the Rebels. Hard work, competitiveness and deter-mination don't even begin to describe their importance to the Rebel tennis program.

"Martin and Kristofer have become the backbone of this program," Chadwick said. "They are great players, excellent students and outstanding representatives of the University of Mississippi. They are what our tennis program is all about. Their contributions to the success of Ole Miss sports will be remembered for a long time."

As freshmen, Stahlberg and Selin made instant news, winning just about every time they played, and in some cases, when it counted the most. Selin recalled one spring day when the Rebels were playing the Georgia Bulldogs in what was billed as a match between two of the top five teams in the country. With the sun setting in the distance, Selin's match was the last one to finish, and he came out on top, sealing a 4-3 Rebel victory. Later that same year, Selin would come up big for the Rebels again, clinching the win over Illinois that put the Rebels in the NCAA final four for the third time in the history of the program.

"I remember our freshman year like it was yesterday," Selin said. "We played up at the parking lot courts (courts five and six), and I would always look over at Stahlberg's court to see who would win their first set first. Every single match, we knew we were going to win somehow.We had a such a great year winning the SEC and making the final four. It was a lot of fun."

Just like his longtime friend, Stahlberg has had his share of big moments for the Rebels. He clinched wins over Mississippi State and South Carolina during his freshman year. In his career, he has accumulated an outstanding singles record of 73-26. In the 2001 season, Stalhberg won 16 matches in a row during one stretch to help the Rebels to another top-10 national ranking. He is currently ranked No. 24 in the ITA preseason national rankings. His competitive nature and desire to win have made Stahlberg a fan favorite during matches.Whether in two sets or a long, grueling three-set match, fans have become accustomed to seeing him fight on every point until he comes out on top.

"I always give it my best effort in every match," Stahlberg said. "I am such a competitor. I want to win so bad. It makes me feel good to have such great support from the fans that I want to do my best for them. As for being in pressure situations, I love the competition, and when the match comes down to me, I enjoy it even more. It is exciting to be in that situation and to win for the team."

While fans have enjoyed watching Stalhberg battle it out for hours if necessary,Selin has made for some exciting tennis of his own with his powerful serve and ability to come up with big shots.

"Stahlberg wins with consistency," Selin said. "With my game, I rely on winning with my serve and backhand. Stalhberg is a true fighter. He is so competitive, and he never gives up. Even if he gets down in a match, he is going to come back. People always love a fighter."

As noted, Stahlberg and Selin are champions on the court, but more importantly, they are winners in the classroom. Both have been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, as well as the Chancellor's and UMAA Honor Rolls. They were part of the 2000 team that earned the ITA All-Academic Team Award.

Their freshman year,Stahlberg and Selin won more than 60 matches combined in singles and doubles in helping lead Ole Miss to the NCAA final four. Their sophomore and junior year, the Rebels were defeated in the NCAA Regional final and finished third in the conference. Now, as the two friends enter the stretch run of their careers, Stahlberg and Selin are ready to take the Rebels back to the "Sweet Sixteen" and beyond in 2002.

"I want us to be at the top of the SEC again, get back to the 'Sweet Sixteen' and compete for the national championship," Stahlberg said. "I have been here for three years and played a lot of matches in big-time situations, so I feel I am ready to help lead this team back to the top again."

Selin agreed,"I would like to win as many matches as I can for the team. Obviously, as a team, we want to reach at least the 'Sweet Sixteen.' I believe we can accomplish that and more."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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