Nov. 24, 2003
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Irish women’s tennis head coach Jay Louderback announced recently that Brook Buck (Yukon, Okla./Oklahoma Christian School) has signed a national letter of intent to enroll at Notre Dame and join his team in the fall of 2004. Buck, a three-time Oklahoma state singles champion, was ranked No. 1 in the United States Tennis Association girls’ 16-and-under national rankings in January of this year before moving up to the 18-and-under age group.
“We’re excited to get someone the caliber of Brook,” said Louderback. “She’s done very well in the juniors in both singles and doubles. With her athletic ability, I think she has the potential to turn into a top collegiate player.”
Buck had an outstanding year of 16s junior action in 2002. In addition to being the runner-up at the National Hardcourt Championships, she won three national doubles titles, claiming crowns in the Winter National Championships, the Spring Supernational Championships, and the Supernational Hardcourt Championships.
A senior at Oklahoma Christian School, Buck won state No. 1 singles titles in class 3A in 2001, ’02, and ’03, and will go for another next spring.
Despite only playing in the 18-and-under division since April of this year, Buck has earned a national ranking of 28th, which places her currently as the 10th-highest ranked player who will enroll in college next fall.
Buck will be one of three Oklahoma natives on the 2004-05 Irish roster, joining current junior Sarah Jane Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla./Bishop McGuinness H.S.) and sophomore Lauren Connelly (Oklahoma City, Okla./Bishop McGuinness H.S.). The trio has combined to win 10 Oklahoma state singles titles. Sarah Jane Connelly took home championships at No. 1 in 1998 (class 3A), ’99 (4A), and 2001 (4A), while Lauren Connelly won 4A titles three times at No. 2 (1999-2001) and once at No. 1 (’02).