The Justice

Simon Miller '11 sprints during a practice Saturday. He was recruited by several Division I schools before choosing Brandeis. Photo by David Sheppard-Brick/the Justice

Even in practice, Simon Miller '11 never changes the rhythmic routine that precedes his devastating left-handed serve. He retrieves a ball, takes two quick bounces and goes right into his motion, cocking his back to achieve maximum extension.

And when his opponent invariably fails to return his serve, Miller quickly steps back up to the line and repeats the process, often finishing before his opponent is even ready.

Raw talent like Miller's usually ends up in Division I tennis.

But even though he received several scholarship offers from Division I schools as a high school senior, including the University of Connecticut and Stony Brook University, Miller decided to take his powerful serve to Brandeis, the only Division III school that recruited him.

"Those [Division I] schools were nice, the guys on those teams were nice, but [Brandeis] just stood out to me," Miller said.

"Obviously, the highly ranked academics helped, but I also liked the small school feel. You get more personal attention from the coach, it's a tighter atmosphere.

Now, Miller will take his place at the top of coach Ben Lamanna's lineup, a list depleted this year after its six top players graduated last year, including 2005 University Athletic Association Player of the Year Sam Jonas '07.

Miller's short, stocky build isn't typical of a college tennis player, but he uses his upper-body strength to generate incredible power, allowing him to hit forehands well above his chest.

That power helped drive the Plantation, Fla. native to a top-20 ranking in regional boys singles for the United States Tennis Association during his high school career.

Lamanna, however, says he is most impressed with Miller's work ethic and commitment to the team.

"He's a bulldog," Lamanna says. "He brings a presence that convinces everyone to raise their games, and he's always working to get better and better. Above all, I knew that he could be a great player, but also a team leader that can mentor all the other guys."

Miller first heard about Brandeis when he met Lamanna during a recruiting showcase at Yale University in the summer of 2006.

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