Dash was an All-American in junior college and is someone who knows a lot about A&M because his dad Tommy played here. Dash has shown us potential in doubles and he brings a lot of playing experience with him.” —Coach Tim Cass
A second generation A&M tennis player who earned ITA All-America honors in doubles as sophomore in junior college … Won two national championships at Tyler JC.
2003 (JUNIOR/FALL): Was 3-3 in limited action … Was 1-0 at the Polo Tennis National Collegiate Preview … Posted a 1-1 record at the UTSA/Sonterra Invitational … Also saw action at the ITA Regional and the A&M Invitational.
AT TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE: A standout at Tyler JC for two seasons … Helped TJC to the Team National Championship in 2002 and 2003 … Was one-half of the No. 1-ranked doubles teams in the nation … Named an ITA All-American in doubles as a sophomore … Earned second-team All-America honors as a freshman … Received the Donnelly Award from the World Team Tennis organization.
HIGH SCHOOL/JUNIORS: Won the 2001 State 5A Doubles Championship … Captured the State 5A Team Tennis Championship as a freshman and as a sophomore … Earned the Clarence Mabry Award … Named the Art Faust Sportsmanship Award recipient at the Texas Boys’ Super 18 Championships … Named the Male Senior of the Year at Katy Taylor High School … Ranked in the 20s in the 18 age group.
PERSONAL: John-Paul “Dash” Connell is the son of Tommy and Debi Connell of Katy, Texas … Born December 16, 1982 in College Station, Texas … Is a history major … Nickname is “Dash” because of the hyphen between his given name of John-Paul … A second generation A&M tennis player … Father lettered on the A&M tennis team in 1970, ’71, and ’72 … Says the toughest person he’s played his is father Tommy … Father is a tennis club professional in Houston … Favorite professional athlete is former A&M linebacker Dat Nguyen of the Dallas Cowboys because “he overcame all the odds and was determined to go pro, no matter what.” … Hobbies include music and “other random stuff.”
DASH UP CLOSE …
Who is your sports-related role model? Pete Sampras
I can’t believe I watch this TV show? Dawson’s Creek
Who had the greatest impact on your athletic career? My dad
Ultimate goal at Texas A&M? Be the proudest member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2005 with a diploma
Something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t? Bungee Jump
What do you like most about Coach Cass? He’s easy going, but can motivate you when he needs to.
