NORMAL, Ill. – Junior Igor Kolaric was recognized by the Summit League as Player of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and given a spot on the Men's All-Summit Team the league announced Thursday, April 26, 2018.
"I was very excited to hear the news today that Igor was selected as Summit League Player of the Year as well as Newcomer of the Year and All-Conference," head coach Mark Klysner said. "As a player, Igor plays with such a passion, but also leads the team with his encouragement and gives great support to his team mates efforts and successes. Igor shows a great deal of respect to his opponents which also makes Igor very well-liked and respected by other teams and coaches. Igor has such a distinct style of play which makes him such a strong competitor. His work ethic on and off the court is really something to look up to by all athletes. He had an amazing season and look forward to next year to watch him succeed and grow as a leader for our team. This honor was earned and could not have gone to a more deserving player."
Kolaric posted an 18-10 overall singles record for the 2017-18 season, which earned him Player of the Week recognition in dual play. He has played consistently in No. 1 singles since the Redbirds took on UAB holding a 10-4 record in the position. Prior to moving up in the lineup, the junior maintained a 5-1 record in the No. 2 spot.
This season Kolaric teamed up with Christoffer Greve in the No. 1 spot of doubles. The duo held a 11-7 record in the spring going 3-2 in conference matchups.
Before joining the Redbird men's tennis team, Kolaric attended Hawai'i where he went 4-11 in singles and 4-9 in doubles while regularly playing in the top two positions.
As a Birkenfeld native, he ranked as high as No. 2 under 18 and No. 10 in Germany. Kolaric played for the Serbian junior national team and won an International Tennis Europe singles title.
Kolaric and the Redbird squad will be back on the court in the fall to open the 2018-19 season.
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