Tulsa Tennis Player Marcelo Arevalo Turns Pro

University of Tulsa tennis player Marcelo Arevalo announced Friday he will forego his final two years of eligibility at TU and turn professional.

"It's a bittersweet day for The University of Tulsa," said TU Director of Tennis Vince Westbrook. "We are losing one of the best players in the country and a player who has been a mainstay at the top of our lineup for two years, but we're excited that he is pursuing his dream."

Arevalo, a native of El Salvador, was named the 2011 Conference USA Player of the Year and earned Conference USA Freshman of the Year honors in 2010.

"He will have the opportunity to represent both his home country and TU in the upcoming 2012 Olympics, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," added Westbrook.

The junior ends his collegiate career with a 29-14 singles record and a 30-11 mark in doubles. He also posted 14 wins over ranked opponents during his Golden Hurricane career.

Perhaps his biggest contribution to the Tulsa program came in 2011, when he led the Golden Hurricane to its first trip to the NCAA Round of 16 in school history.

"Marcelo improved so much as both a person and a tennis player during his time here at Tulsa," said Westbrook. "I know this was a difficult decision for him, but he is doing what he believes is best for himself and his family."

Arevalo was named the ITA Central Region Player to Watch as a sophomore and the ITA Central Region Rookie of the Year as a freshman.

He reached a career-high ITA singles rank of No. 24 on June 8, 2011, and he was projected to be a top-5 player in this year's preseason rankings. His career-high doubles rank was No. 39, which he achieved on March 1, 2011 with current sophomore Japie De Klerk.