Former Pattonville High tennis star Blake Strode closed out a brilliant collegiate career at the University of Arkansas with a remarkable run through the NCAA Tournament in College Station, Tex.
Entering the NCAA Singles Tournament as the No. 15 seed, Strode pulled a string of upsets to advance all the way to the semifinals, thus earning International Tennis Association All-American honors.
In the Sweet 16 match, Strode upset No. 2 seed Oleksandir Nedovyseov of Oklahoma State. Strode came back from one set down to win 6-7, 6-4, 6-2. In the quarterfinals, Strode was matched up against hometown favorite Connor Pollock of Texas A&M. He withstood the challenge of Pollock and the home crowd to prevail 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Strode’s tremendous run came to an end in the semifinals when he was defeated by Devin Britton of Mississippi 7-6, 6-4. Strode finished the season with a 27-12 record. He became only the third Arkansas player in the school’s history to reach the Final Four of the NCAA Men’s Singles Competition. He finished his four-year career with 97 victories.
“Blake had a great run here this week and a fabulous career at Arkansas,” said Razorbacks’ coach Robert Cox.
“What a great young man Blake is. He gave the Arkansas Razorback team a great lift while he was here and it has been great watching him compete and represent the Razorbacks so well over the years. We’re all proud of him.”
Strode finished his career as a three-time All-Southeastern Conference selection. He was also a superstar in the classroom as well. He graduated with a 3.976 grade point average while carrying a double-major of International Economics and Spanish. He was chosen the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the year twice as well as the ESPN the Magazine All-District Academic Team.
Strode plans to pursue professional tennis for a year, then he plans on attending Harvard Law School.
