After winning it all in her freshman season, Mallory Cecil decided to forgo the final three years of her Duke career and enter the professional ranks.
Cecil, who played for one semester at Duke, finished her Blue Devil career with a 32-4 record.
"It was a really tough decision," Cecil said. "There were so many things drawing me back to Duke, but at the same time I feel like it's my time. The [age] frame for women's tennis is so young so I thought this is my opportunity to pursue my career. I had a great semester at Duke, a great team and so many great memories. It was a really tough decision, but I am excited to start this new journey."
Cecil entered Duke in the 2009 spring semester and assumed the No. 1 singles spot for the Blue Devils. She led Duke to its first ever national title in women's tennis and won the NCAA individual title as well, becoming the 14th player in history to win both crowns in the same season.
She was also the recipient of the Honda Award, honoring the nation's top female collegiate athlete in each sport. That accolade came along with being named the ACC Rookie of the Year, as well as the ITA Southeast Region Rookie of the Year.
Cecil will begin her professional career at the US Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. next week.
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