Vanguard University

The athlete: Alessandro transfers to Vanguard University for his first season as a Lion in 2010?comes to VUSC as a senior, after spending three seasons playing for Head Coach Chris Taylor at California Baptist University?one of the most decorated tennis players in GSAC and NAIA history?has been named to the NAIA All-America First Team for three straight seasons?also named All-GSAC in his first three seasons?help lead CBU to the NAIA Final Four in 2009? is looking to do the same at VUSC ?was a CBU teammate of current Vanguard teammate Lucas Pereira?arguably the best player in the country at the NAIA level?should provide an immediate impact and add immense talent to the top of the Lion roster.
 

The person: Alessandro was born to parents Mario and Lula in Rio Grande Del Sol, Brazil?has one brother and one sister?likes to eat Korean Barbeque?favorite movie is "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King"?likes the TV show "Big Brother"?prefers the color blue?sports hero is Gustavo Kuerten?loves the weekends?roots for "Gremio", a professional soccer team from Brazil?favorite actor is Johnny Depp?hobbies include anything soccer, the beach, watching movies, and eating at good restaurants?thinks that being respectful is the top character trait to have?most respects his father?has learned that life is for those who want it?how to work hard and go over limits?career goal is to be successful.

His closing thoughts: My favorite thing about Vanguard is the area, as well as my friends who study here.

Coach Johansson's comment: Alessandro is the most talented player in the NAIA and my job is to make him play up to his potential every match of the year. He is a worthy replacement for Florian Lemke at the top spot.