UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO ATHLETICS


BUFFALO, N.Y. — Head men’s tennis coach Lee Nickell has announced the addition of three student-athletes for the upcoming season, including two freshman and a transfer. 
Valdemar Holm transfers to UB after spending last season at Utah State, where he was a member of their 2018 Mountain West championship season.  A native of Malmo, Sweden, Holm played in the top three in singles and number two doubles for the Aggies.  He was a captain as a freshman, posting wins over programs like UCF, Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah.
He joined the Aggies following a prep career that saw him finish with a UTR of 12.97 and going 12-0 when appearing with Swedish National teams.  He earned three gold medals in singles and two in doubles at the Swedish Nationals.
“We are so excited to have Valdemar join the Bulls for the upcoming season,” said head coach Lee Nickell. “He has already proven himself at the top of Division I and is also known as a great leader.  Our expectation is for Valdemar to come in and contribute at the top of the lineup in singles and doubles.”
The Bulls will also welcome in Holm’s fellow countryman in Simon Wibler, a native of Vaxjo, Sweden.  He achieved a top 5 ranking in Sweden and he is a national champion in doubles, while making the semifinals of some of the biggest tournaments in Sweden during his career.
“Simon has ton of international experience and brings a big game that will translate well indoors here in Buffalo,” said Nickell.  “Simon has tremendous upside and we know that he will develop into a major threat at the college level.”
The Bulls went more locally for their final newcomer in freshman Jonah Murphy, who played in Buffalo at Sweet Home High School. He was a four-time MVP and scholar athlete, while finishing as the ECIC Champion in 2018.  He went 22-1 during his senior season, setting the school record for career wins and wins in a season.
“It is so great to have a local player on the team again, and Jonah is exactly what we are looking for,” said Nickell. “He is a very gifted student who has worked tirelessly over the last few years to be exceptional at school and tennis. We know that consistent training at this level will bring Jonah’s game to a high level, and we are excited to see him develop into a main stay in our lineup.”