"Derrick is a guy who we've kept an eye on the last couple of years. He has consistently been one of the top 10 juniors and he started off this year really well. At 6-5, he's got a great build for the game and I think his best years are ahead of him. He worked extemely hard to graduate early from high school to join us in January." -Coach Tim Cass

One half of the nation's No. 1-ranked doubles tandem in the 16s with teammate Lester Cook ... Has been ranked as high as No. 18 nationally in singles in the 18s and is one the top players in Southern California ... Is an internationally experienced player ... Graduated high school early in order to join the Aggies in January of 2002.

2001 (FRESHMAN/FALL): Joined the team in January of 2002 after graduating from high school early.

HIGH SCHOOL/JUNIORS: Has been ranked as high as No. 16 nationally in singles in the 18s ... Reached the No. 6 ranking in the 16s and was No. 2 in the 14s ... Partnered with current A&M teammate Lester Cook to earn the No. 1 doubles ranking nationally in the 16s ... During the 2000 USTA Super National Clay Court Championships, he finished in second in singles while taking second in doubles with Cook ... In the 2000 Easter Bowl, he and Cook were seeded thrid teamed to take third place in the doubles draw for 16s.... In the 2000 Copper Bowl he was seeded third in singles and finished third ... Was ranked No. 1 in doubles in the 14s ... International playing experience includes the Junior Davis Cup in Japan, US Open in singles and doubles and winning the ITF Costa Rica Bowl ... Has been ranked in the top 50 in the world in doubles.

PERSONAL: Derrick Otto Bauer is the son of Brad and Lisa Bauer of Marina Del Rey, Calif. ... Born January 23, 1984 in Santa Monica, Calif. ... Is undecided on his major ... Nickname is "Couple" because "when they asked me what my nickname was, I responded 'I have a couple,' but no one heard the rest, only 'couple'" ... Was in the top 10 percent of his high school class as a sophomore ... Lists his most memorable moment in sports as winning his first international tournament in Costa Rica ... Says the toughest person he has ever played is Bjorn Borg ... Compares his game to his favorite tennis player Pete Sampras ... Credits his parents for where he is today ... Is a 5-handicap golfer and also enjoys billiards.