Coach DeMars about Atkinson -- Became much more consistent in the past year ... Great attitude ... Has a very solid all around game ... Plays very well from the baseline ... A good doubles player ... Hits the ball solid from both sides ... Will play in the lower half of the lineup.

As a Junior -- Once again played both singles and doubles ... Compiled a 12-15 record playing out of the No. 5 singles position ... Teamed with Carl Wermee to go 14-12 in doubles action.

As a Sophomore -- Went 27-8 playing singles in the No. 4- No. 6 positions ... played doubles primarily with Angelo Niculescu as well ... also played doubles with Nasir Sherazi, Tom Eklund, Seth Rose, Geraldo Knorr, and Marcus Westman, compiling a 9-8 record.

As a Freshman -- Earned immediate playing time in doubles ... Teamed with David Nelson to play doubles in all 26 dual matches ... In singles, saw action in the No. 4 - No. 6 positions ... Recorded a 7-2 record in dual match play ... Finished season with 10-1 record against Region II opponents.

JUNIOR TENNIS -- 1999 Yorkshire State Most Improved Player ... Solihul International Finalist in 1988 ... 2001 Yorkshire State Semifinalist.

PERSONAL -- Born on November 7, 1982, in Yorkshire, England ... Parents are Rosie and Richard Atkinson ... Has one brother, Tom (18) ... Enjoys soccer, watching tv, and listening to music ...Would like to spend a day with John McEnroe...Remembers his parents' advice to "Always have fun with whatever you do"...Goal for this season is for the Gamecocks to reach the NCAA Sweet 16.