Tennis star Necajevs focuses on team
Pat Mack
Issue date: 3/3/10 Section: Sports
In two years at UDM, tennis player Pjotrs Necajevs has dominated Horizon League competition and made a name for himself beyond the conference by knocking off some Big Ten competitors, winning numerous honors and even earning a mention in Sports Illustrated.
Though the UDM tennis team has had its struggles this season, as exemplified by its overall record of 4-5, it has found consistency from its top player, a senior from the north European country of Latvia.
Necajevs is an amazing 20-3 following Saturday's road loss to Ball State, but the record is not unexpected after his performance last season, when he became the first player in league history to win Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season. In one stretch, he won 13 straight matches without dropping a single set.
Necajevs transferred here from Mississippi State in 2008, due to a distaste for the new direction of that program.
"Tennis is an individual sport mostly, but here I can really feel the team," he said. "I like the smaller school here at UDM. It's more … close with everyone."
Necajevs appears to have humility as well as talent. When asked to cite his statistical accomplishments, he drew an absolute blank and referred a reporter to the team website.
Necajevs' focus on team has been well received by other tennis players.
"It's been nice to be around someone who leads by example," said freshman Russ Kovar. "He's definitely not shy about sharing his experiences."
Even outside of the tennis courts, Necajevs has made himself comfortable in his Midwest home.
Unlike his time at Mississippi State, he has gotten to know many student-athletes outside of tennis while in Detroit.
"I like the small school," he said. "It's a much better education, and the culture of the North is different than the culture of the South."
With many matches yet to go, Necajevs could top his 2008-09 25-4 singles record, which is believed to be the best in school history.
He is also excelling in doubles play.
When paired in the top doubles spot with freshman standout Alex Latosinsky (who, apart from Necajevs, is the only UDM player to post a winning record out of more than five matches), Necajevs has a 10-4 record.
His favorite part of it all?
"The fun," he said. "I mean, really, it's just me and my friends having fun. I love playing tennis."
But when it's game time, it's game time.
"Every time we go to play against another team, it's like a war," Necajevs said. "Our team against their team, and my team is like family."
Though the UDM tennis team has had its struggles this season, as exemplified by its overall record of 4-5, it has found consistency from its top player, a senior from the north European country of Latvia.
Necajevs is an amazing 20-3 following Saturday's road loss to Ball State, but the record is not unexpected after his performance last season, when he became the first player in league history to win Newcomer of the Year and Player of the Year honors in the same season. In one stretch, he won 13 straight matches without dropping a single set.
Necajevs transferred here from Mississippi State in 2008, due to a distaste for the new direction of that program.
"Tennis is an individual sport mostly, but here I can really feel the team," he said. "I like the smaller school here at UDM. It's more … close with everyone."
Necajevs appears to have humility as well as talent. When asked to cite his statistical accomplishments, he drew an absolute blank and referred a reporter to the team website.
Necajevs' focus on team has been well received by other tennis players.
"It's been nice to be around someone who leads by example," said freshman Russ Kovar. "He's definitely not shy about sharing his experiences."
Even outside of the tennis courts, Necajevs has made himself comfortable in his Midwest home.
Unlike his time at Mississippi State, he has gotten to know many student-athletes outside of tennis while in Detroit.
"I like the small school," he said. "It's a much better education, and the culture of the North is different than the culture of the South."
With many matches yet to go, Necajevs could top his 2008-09 25-4 singles record, which is believed to be the best in school history.
He is also excelling in doubles play.
When paired in the top doubles spot with freshman standout Alex Latosinsky (who, apart from Necajevs, is the only UDM player to post a winning record out of more than five matches), Necajevs has a 10-4 record.
His favorite part of it all?
"The fun," he said. "I mean, really, it's just me and my friends having fun. I love playing tennis."
But when it's game time, it's game time.
"Every time we go to play against another team, it's like a war," Necajevs said. "Our team against their team, and my team is like family."
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