The University of Mississippi Athletics
Former Rebel Netter Gard Wins Two Futures Tournaments
7/25/2005 | Men's Tennis
July 25, 2005
OXFORD, Miss. - Catalin Gard, who completed an outstanding career for the Ole Miss men's tennis team in 2005, recently won two Futures Tournaments on the USTA Professional Circuit.
Gard, the 2004 SEC Player of the Year, won the Pittsburgh, Pa., Futures Tournament held July 4-10. He defeated the No. 1 seed, Robert Smeets (AUS), in the final. Gard also reached the finals in doubles with Tres Davis of the United States.
A three-time All-America at Ole Miss, Gard followed up his win in Pittsburgh by claiming the Futures event the next week in Peoria, Ill. Gard defeated the No. 4 seed, Michael Yani (USA), in the final, in straight sets.
The USTA Professional Circuit is the world's premier developmental circuit for aspiring professional tennis players. It allows players to gain the experience and ranking points needed to participate on the major pro tours and in Grand Slam tournaments. Futures events are one of three levels of tournaments, along with Satellite and Challenger events, on the USTA Professional circuit.
During his senior year, Gard spent 24 weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation and led Ole Miss to the NCAA Final Four in 2005, their second consecutive overall SEC Championship as well as their fourth straight SEC Western Division title. He also helped the Rebels achieve a final national ranking of No. 3 as well as earn the prestigious ITA All-Academic Team Award. The Rebels were the only NCAA Division I school to end the year ranked top five nationally and be named an ITA All-Academic Team.
Gard has been busy this summer playing in professional tournaments while also taking courses to complete his degree in International Business.
