Georgia gets Seal signed for tennis

Bo Seal is about to become a regular student again.

The former Baylor School tennis standout, a two-time state champion, has accepted a scholarship offer to play at the University of Georgia, starting in the 2009 fall semester.

“Bo is a great addition to our program and a very good singles and doubles player,” Georgia coach Manuel Diaz said in a school release Thursday about the signing.

“It feels great,” Seal told the Times Free Press. “Georgia is a great school for tennis and academically, and I’m really excited about the opportunity to go to a big-time school.

“It’s just going to be weird sitting in a classroom doing work; I haven’t sat in one since my last final exam my sophomore year.”

Seal’s college decision came down to Georgia and Tennessee.

“I’ve grown up a Tennessee fan, so it was tough, but I made the decision that was best for me,” he said. “I thought I felt better in that environment. I grew up buddies with some of their players and have known them a long time. I didn’t know that many players on Tennessee’s team, plus I like going to school in a small town and Knoxville’s large; Athens is more of a smaller town with a great college atmosphere.”

After winning TSSAA Division II state championships as a freshman and a sophomore, Seal attended the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He has been ranked as high as No. 10 in the USTA 18s, after being ranked No. 1 in the 16s at one point.

He was a member of the United States 16s Davis Cup team and has participated in tournaments in eight countries. His international junior ranking reached No. 43.

“The last few years have been great,” Seal said. “I’ve been able to travel all over the place, and it’s been a great experience. I’ve seen a lot of places and it’s been tiring and exhausting at times, but overall it’s been a good experience.”

Seal said he enjoyed Japan the most.

“It’s pretty much like the United States, except a little more clean and a safer environment,” he said.

Now his attention turns to the college atmosphere.

“Obviously I want to get my degree. School comes first. On the courts, I want to win a national team championship,” he said, noting the NCAA tournament will be held in Athens in 2010 and 2012. “I also want to improve my individual game and be as good as I can while I’m there.”