HARRISONBURG, Va., June 2, 2009 -- James Madison men's tennis head coach Steve Secord has announced the signing of Gregory Vladimirsky and Stephen Hardy, both of whom will join the program for the 2009-10 season.

"I am very excited that Greg and Stephen have decided to continue their tennis careers at JMU," said Secord.  "We have a great core group of guys returning next year and Greg and Stephen will give up the extra firepower needed to elevate the level of the team."

Vladimirsky comes to Madison out of Broward Virtual High School in Coral Springs, Fla.  He is ranked 287th by the International Tennis Federation and is listed as a five-star recruit by tennisrecruiting.net.  He is ranked 89th nationally for all graduating seniors and is the 17th-ranked prospect coming out of Florida.

"Greg's experience competing both nationally and internationally will help him adjust well to the collegiate level," said Secord.

Hardy joins the Dukes out of Robinson High School in Fairfax, Va.  He is a four-star recruit according to Tennisrecruiting.net and is ranked fourth amongst all graduating seniors in Virginia.  He ranks 33rd in the Mid-Atlantic region and 217th nationally.

"Stephen has struggled with some injuries the past year, but is now healthy and coming up with some big wins," commented Secord.

Hardy becomes the third player to join the Dukes out of Robinson High School, joining three-time All-CAA doubles selection Mike Smith (Fairfax Station, Va./Robinson) and rising junior Matt King (Lorton, Va./Robinson).

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