Monday, 04/26/2010

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico men’s tennis head coach Alan Dils has announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Brothers Simon and Mads Hegelund will join the Lobos in the fall.

The two are originally from Virum, Denmark, but moved to Denver, Colo. in the summer of 2008. Simon, 20, graduated from George Washington High School in December 2009, while Mads, 18, will graduate this May.

“We are very excited about Mads and Simon joining our team this coming fall,” Dils said. “With all of our team returning next year, plus the additions of Mads and Simon, we only look to be getting stronger. It is great that Mads and Simon can enter school together and go through their entire collegiate career together. The two are hard-working players, good students and really nice individuals. They will fit in very nicely with our team atmosphere at UNM.”

The brothers helped lead George Washington to a third place finish in 2009 state finals for the first time in 38 years. Mads finished third individually in the state in No. 1 singles and Simon finished second in the state in No. 2 singles.

Prior to moving to the U.S., Mads was ranked top 10 in the nation in Boys 12 and finished his last season of juniors play by beating two top 5 players to clinch one of the biggest summer national tournaments in Denmark.

He was ranked averagely in the top 15 all years he participated in juniors and finished his last Boys 18 national championship by winning a bronze medal in doubles. Mads attended a tennis academy in Sweden for his sophomore year of high school and plans to major in psychology at UNM.

“I decided to sign with UNM because of the great atmosphere on the team and because of the coaches,” Mads said. “I am happy about my brother attending the same school as I see him as someone who often brings out the best in me.”

Simon was ranked averagely in the top 25 throughout his juniors career in Denmark and finished top 20 in Boys 18. He is now ranked top 15 in Colorado Boys 18 and has beat top players in sectional tournaments.

“I am really looking forward to having a fantastic time studying at UNM and competing for the Lobos,” Simon said, who plans to major in Communications.

The two are the sons of Thomas and Helle Hegelund.