THOMAS FRANK • SENIOR
6-1 • RIGHT-HANDER • RHEIMSTETTEN, GERMANY

The athlete: Thomas enters his final season as a Lion after having been a solid #5-6 player all three years at VUSC…another year under his belt is expected to pay dividends for his final season as a Lion…came to VUSC from Rheimstetten, Germany…2005 graduate of Wilhelm-Rophe Schule in Efflingen…has played tennis for 16 years…right-handed…big strong player who gained good experience last year…solid off both wings…good skills…good attitude…Vanguard Champions of Character Award Winner…look for Thomas to finish his career with his strongest year ever.

The person: Thomas was born in Germany on September 2, 1986…parents are Udo and Gudium Frank…is the second of three sons…nickname is "Tommy"…is a Business Administration major at VUSC…sports hero is Roger Federer…loves to eat burritos at "Chipotle"…favorite movie is "50 First Dates"…loves the color blue and the number eight…favorite Scripture is James 1:5…roots for the Vanguard Lions…he likes tennis, soccer, the beach and working out…says being honest is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects his parents because they are just great…learned in life to set goals in order to be successful…tennis has taught him that success comes only with sacrifice…looking forward to graduating in May and getting his MBA in Germany.

His closing thoughts: It would be great if people remember him as a nice, helpful person who also put a lot of effort in the tennis team.

Coach Johansson’s comment: When he plays his best tennis, he is very solid with great returns and an outstanding backhand. His work ethic is great and hard work has not yet paid off completely – that’s why I look forward to Thomas’ final season.

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BLAKE LAMBERTH • SENIOR
5-9 • RIGHT-HANDER • LAS VEGAS, NV

The athlete: Blake returns for his final season at VUSC after spending 2008 mainly in the #6 and #7 spots…came to the Lions after spending two years with Head Coach Tim Downey at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo…graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2004…played for Head Coach Craig Johnson where he played #1 singles and was named the Player of the Year in 2004 and Most Improved in 2001…made state final team…right-handed player who has played tennis all of his life…solid player with good strokes…quick player…looking to finish his collegiate career on a positive note.

The person: Blake was born on June 28, 1985 in Wailuku, Hawaii…father Jake Lamberth and mother Kari Cranford…is an only child…is a Business Administration senior at Vanguard…likes eating Mexican food at "Chipotle"…likes the color blue and the number 1…sports hero is Rafael Nadal…roots for the Miami Dolphins…likes going to the beach, surfing, swimming and working out…says being positive is the most important characteristic for a person to have…tennis has taught him to never give up…learned in life to be positive…career goal is to graduate and play well this year.

His closing thoughts: I hope people will remember me as someone who gave 100% effort throughout his career at Vanguard.

Coach Johansson’s comment: Blake is in great shape and if his consistency has jumped one level from last season, he will certainly see a lot of playing time.

FLORIAN LEMKE • JUNIOR
6-8 • RIGHT-HANDER • OSUABRUCK, GERMANY

The athlete: Florian begins his third season in the Blue & Gold after an award-winning sophomore campaign…2008 NAIA First-Team All-American, All-GSAC, All-GSAC Scholar Athlete and NAIA Scholar All-American…in 2007 named NAIA First-Team All-American and All-GSAC…came to Vanguard from Boerde Berues Kolleg in Soest, Germany…graduated from high school in 2006…has played tennis for 17 years…big right-hander…may be the tallest tennis player to ever play at VUSC…6’8" frame with an extensive reach with the racket…good tennis skills with practically unlimited potential…will be a co-captain in 2009.

The person: Florian was born on January 10, 1984 in Osuabruck, Germany…parents are Klaus-Dieter and Ingrid Lemke…has one older sister…majoring in Business Administration at Vanguard…likes to eat Italian and Mum’s food…sports hero is Muhammad Ali…loves the movie "Seven Pounds" and TV show "Scrubs"…likes the color blue…prefers the number four…roots for VFL Osuabruck…enjoys listening to music…most respects his sister who kept his family together…learned life has its ups and downs…career goals are to do a job he loves and have everything he needs to not be worried…tennis has taught him discipline and responsibility.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the close contact to the professors, the area and the great tennis team.

Coach Johansson’s Comments: Florian may be the best player in the NAIA this season after being the third-best last season. He’s a tremendous athlete that plays so consistently match after match at a very high level; a fun guy with a lot of talent.

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DOMINIC STOCKLER * JUNIOR
6-4 * RIGHT-HANDED * RUETI, SWITZERLAND

The athlete: Dominic begins season number three for the Lions after making the 2008 NAIA All-American Second-Team…comes from Ruiti, Switzerland where he graduated in 2002 from Minerva High School in Zurich, Switzerland…talented player…should compete for one of the top singles and doubles positions…freshman knee injury kept him off the court for eight months…has played tennis for 17 years…another knee injury will delay his start to the 2009 season, but successful rehab should get him ready in time to contribute for the Lions.

The person: Dominic was born in Zurich, Switzerland to parents Heinz and Doris on January 24, 1984…has one younger brother…majoring in Business at VUSC…loves eating at "Woody’s Wharf"…black is his favorite color and number is 24…favorite movie is "Seven Pounds"…sports hero is Roger Federer…roots for AC Milan…enjoys surfing, friends, cooking and going to the beach…says being trustworthy is the most important characteristic for a person to have…learned in life that if you believe, you can achieve everything…most respects his parents for what they have achieved and done for him…tennis has taught him to not give up…career goal is to achieve something unique.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the location the most; nice weather and nice school.

Coach Johansson’s comment: Dominic or the punisher as he is called is a highly talented player, in fact, the most talented player I have had at Vanguard. He is capable of beating anyone on any given day.

TINO BRODAR • SOPHOMORE
6-1 • RIGHT-HANDER • TANN, SWITZERLAND

The athlete: Tino returns for his second season after making the 2008 NAIA All-American Second Team as the #3 player for the Lions…will be a co-captain in 2009…entered his freshman year at Vanguard after coming from AKAD College in Zurich, Switzerland…has played tennis for 18 years…right-handed…aggressive baseline player with great volleys…adds strength and depth to the team…especially strong doubles player…expect another great season for Brodar.

The person: Tino was born in Switzerland on June 16, 1985 to parents Branko and Sujezana…has an older brother…is a Business major at Vanguard…like eating Italian food…prefers the color white and the number 23…favorite movies are "Seven Pounds" and "Death Race" and TV show is "Prison Break"…roots for the LA Lakers…sports heroes are Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan…enjoys playing basketball and badminton…most respects his mom and dad because they taught him everything in life…learned in life to fight for everything and never give up…tennis has taught him impossible is nothing…career goal is to graduate and win nationals.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the community.

Coach Johansson’s comment: Tino’s winning attitude will make a huge difference for this year’s team. He is ready to do what it takes to make this team a very special team.

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NILS IWDAL • SOPHOMORE
6-2 •  RIGHT-HANDER • GOTEBORG, SWEDEN

The athlete: Nils begins his career at Vanguard after spending his freshman season with Head Coach Greg Davis at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas…was also the Swedish doubles runner-up at the Swedish Master’s for juniors…great serve…big forehand…has played tennis for 8-9 years…graduated from Sjolius Gymnasium in Goteborg, Sweden in 2007.

The person: Nils was born to parents Lars and Maya in Sweden on May 12, 1989…has a younger brother and three half brothers…nickname is "Nisse"…majoring in Business…likes eating Italian food and chocolate ice cream…favorite movie is "Scarface" and TV shows are "Entourage" and "7th Heaven"…likes the color green and then number one…sports hero is Bjorn Borg…enjoys reading and writing…says being kind and honest are the most important characteristics for a person to have…most respects his parents…tennis has taught him to never give up…learned in life to fight for what you believe in…career goal is to maintain a good level in both sports and life.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard for its great reputation and its good tennis program.

Coach Johansson’s Comments: Nils will do what is required to get consistent playing time at Vanguard. I know one thing – with his serve, he should be an immediate impact in doubles for our team. I expect Nils to improve steadily throughout his first season at Vanguard.

SANDRO BUCHER * FRESHMAN
5-11 * RIGHT-HANDED *  USTES, SWITZERLAND

The athlete: Sandro arrives in Costa Mesa from Ustes, Switzerland ready for his first collegiate season in 2009…a fast and consistent baseliner with great returns…just needs to find a high "low-level" when things aren’t feeling great…has played tennis for 19 years…good new right-handed addition to the Lion roster.

The person: Sandro was born in Zurich, Switzerland to parents Hans and Flavia on August 17, 1984…nickname is "Loco"…major is undeclared…likes eating at "Harry’s"…favorite movie is "Pulp Fiction" and TV show is "Knight Rider"…likes the color yellow and the number ten…roots for the Anaheim Ducks…sports hero is Andre Agassi…hobbies include pool, snowboarding and technology…says loyalty is the most important characteristic for a person to have…most respects his parents for what they have done for him and how they live…learned in life to stay focused, not to give up after a bad experience…tennis has taught him to keep on fighting until it is finished…career goals are to win nationals and graduate.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard because it’s a good school, nice place and has a good athletic team.

Coach Johansson’s comment: Sandro certainly has the tools to compete with anyone. I can’t wait for him to establish himself as a threat for anyone throughout his first college year.

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FREDRIC SANDBERG • FRESHMAN
6-0 •  RIGHT-HANDER • BORAS, SWEDEN

The athlete: Fredric joins the Lions for his freshman season from Boras, Sweden…graduated from De La Gardiegymnasiet in 2008…high school coaches were Per-Erik and dars Granath…has played tennis for 16 years…right-handed…strong player…will have an immediate impact on this team in singles and doubles…will compete for the 1, 2 or 3 spot in the lineup…has a great future within the Lion tennis program.

The person: Fredric was born on January 20, 1988 in Boras, Sweden…parents are Bengt and Elfriede Sandberg…has one older sister…has not decided on a major yet.

Coach Johansson’s comment: I am thrilled about this late recruit and compare him with previous standout from 2004 Lars Dahlberg. A lot of bad luck for Fredric finding a school finally led him to hear about Vanguard.

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