UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO ATHLETICS
BUFFALO, N.Y. — University at Buffalo men’s tennis senior Petr Vodak has been named the Northeast regional selection for the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association announced. Vodak just completed an amazing two-year career with the Bulls, while working to finish his degree in International Trade.c
On the court, Vodak had a 14-12 record in singles action, playing anywhere from two to four on the singles ladder for UB. He was 13-4 in doubles, playing number one doubles with teammate Vidit Vaghela. That duo had one of the best seasons of any UB doubles pair, culminating in a national ranking that saw them as high as #64 in the nation.
For Vodak, the decision and the trip to the United State was not always an easy one for the Czech Republic native. He was just a year away from completing a double major in business and law in the Czech Republic, but decided he needed to try college tennis. Vodak had some adversity through the transfer process, but he never questioned his decision to come to Buffalo and it paid off in 2017 as he helped lead the Bulls to a perfect MAC Regular Season, as well as a MAC Tournament title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
“What an amazing honor to win an award named for one of the greatest humanitarians in our sports history,” said head coach Lee Nickell. “Petr is a true model student-athlete, but his leadership and ability to lift the spirit of those around him earned this award. The coaching staff and returning Bulls will aspire to keep the spirit of Arthur Ashe and work to be leaders in the community.”
Vodak is one of 10 regional winners for the Arthur Ashe Leadership & Sportsmanship Award and he is now in the running for the national award.
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