One of the nation's top junior players ... A top ranked player from Southern California in singles and doubles ... Is expected to make an impact on the Aggies' lineup ... Made first move toward accomplishing that by leading the Aggies in the ITA Regional Championships by reaching the semifinals in singles and quarterfinals in doubles.
2002 (FRESHMAN/FALL): Quickly made an impact at A&M by leading the Aggies in the ITA Region VI Championships in Fort Worth ... Reached the semifinals in singles and quarterfinals in doubles after being unseeded ... Played just one three-set match during the tournament and it happened in the quarterfinals when he beat the tournament's No. 10-seeded Jose Zarhi of Texas, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 ... In doubles, he teammed with John Nallon and the duo recorded their first of two upsets in the second round by outing No. 9-seeded Roger Gubser and Drew Hoskins of Texas, 8-4 ... Then, in the round of 16, the duo beat the tournament's No. 2-seeded tandem of Johan Brunstrom and Henrik Soderberg of SMU, 8-4 ... The SMU tandem was ranked No. 17 nationally.
HIGH SCHOOL/JUNIORS: Was ranked No. 11 nationally in singles last year in the 16's and No. 7 in doubles ... Was ranked No. 2 in the Southern California section in both singles and doubles ... Has won numerous Southern California sectional tournaments in the 18's, and reached the quarterfinals of the Easter Bowl singles and the semifinals in doubles for the 16's ... Was the recipient of the Southern California Boys 18s Sportsmanship Award.
PERSONAL: Matthew Ray Loucks is the son of Tom and Debbie Loucks of Irvine, Calif. ... Born August 11, 1983 in Seattle, Wash. ... Is an English major ... Was in the top 10 percent of his high school class ... Was an honor student ... Also, lettered in basketball ... His father, Tom, played professional tennis ... Lists Taylor Dent has the toughest person he has played ... Says playing in the ITA Regional semifinals in singles as a freshman is his most memorable moment in sports.
"Matt had a very solid fall for us. He is arguably one of our most consistent players in practice and in match play. He's a winner on and off the court and will have a major impact on the success of our team." -Coach Tim Cass
