Top-ranked doubles player signs with College of Coastal Georgia

Aymeric (Rico) Bruno, one half of the top-ranked doubles' team in NJCAA Division I, recently signed a letter of intent to continue his tennis career at the College of Coastal Georgia once he is finished playing for the No. 1-ranked Cowley College tennis team.

Bruno, who came to Cowley from Paris, France, played No. 3 singles and No. 2 doubles for the Tigers as the team finished as the national runner-up during his freshman year. This season, Bruno's powerful game has he and his doubles partner, Taiyo Hirano, as the No. 4-ranked doubles team in the nation.

"Rico is one of the best doubles players in the nation and I am happy for him to get this opportunity," Cowley head coach Manuel Raga said. "He will take everything he learned at Cowley and execute it at his next school. Rico was looking for the right fit and I am glad he found that in Coastal Georgia."

Bruno is 7-3 in doubles matches this season and has won his past four matches in a row at No. 1 doubles. He is looking forward to playing for the Mariners, which are currently ranked No. 21 in the NAIA.

"They have a good team, like we have at Cowley," Bruno said. "Plus, it is only 10 minutes to the beach."

Before Bruno is done at Cowley he hopes to help the team make another run at a region and national championship.

"I can't wait to go to nationals and help the team compete for a title," Bruno said.