(Editor's Note:  This is part of a series of stories of the RUDY Award finalists.  Two winners – one male and one female – will be announced at the conclusion of the end of the R.UD.Y.S. Awards Banquet on Monday.  

R.U.D.Y.S. stands for Recognition and celebration of University of Dayton student-athletes Year-end Showcase.  It is hosted by the UD Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Dayton Athletics administration for the student-athletes to recognize individuals and teams for their accomplishments this past year.
 
These stories were written by students in Dr. Haozho Pu's HS 353 Sports Media class.)

Written by Lilian Snyder, James Martin

Connor Bruce, University of Dayton men's tennis player, has been nominated as a finalist for the R.U.D.Y. awards. The Pittsburgh native attended Peters Township High School, before arriving on campus here in Dayton. He is a fifth-year senior majoring in operations and supply chain management, while serving as Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Co-President and team captain of the men's tennis program. 

Outside of the classroom, you can find Bruce on the court, racking up several accolades. These include Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year, Atlantic 10 All-Conference in 2021, 2022 and 2023, and Academic All-Atlantic 10. Bruce is also #1 in singles and doubles and is ranked second all-time in career singles victories for the University. Outside of tennis, Bruce enjoys playing golf and watching his hometown sports teams. Bruce will play professional tennis for his second consecutive summer upon graduation in May.

Q: What does being a Flyer mean to you?
A: "I think being a Flyer means we are a part of this community and as cliche as it is and it goes around a lot, it stands true by being a part of this tight knit place, it is special. You get to make real relationships and get to know great people. Wearing a jersey or wearing that patch when you are playing a sport for Dayton means something more than just playing for yourself, you are playing for everyone on campus, coaches, and everyone else involved."

Q: What is one of the most influential moments in your athletic career?
A: "Last year, when we won in the conference semi-finals against Richmond as a 6 seed, beating a 2 seed.  I think we were the lowest seed to ever make the conference championship match. To do it with a team that went through countless injuries and a lot of setbacks throughout the year. For everything to come together perfectly in that moment was the most influential moment."

Q: Balancing sports and academics can be challenging. How do you organize your time effectively to ensure success in both areas?
A: "I think it's really important to give credit to my teammates and coaches as well as the people in the athletic department. Our coach does a really good job of stressing that we are student-athletes, and the student comes before the athlete. Since day one as a freshman, you get thrown into the fire and you ask a lot of questions to teammates and other athletes who are going through the same thing. You are not the only one with practice, class, lifting or treatment if you are hurt. It's all about using your resources to find out what works for you."

Q: How has being a student-athlete contributed to your personal growth and development?
A: Tennis has been my whole life since I was a kid, it goes back to the relationships here. There are so many great people in our athletic department, especially the ones who make an impact on me like coaches and teammates. When I came here, it was because it's a special place, you are around people who want you to succeed as a student, as an athlete, and then after school. We have countless guys who have graduated over the years and those relationships don't stop after we are teammates or that relationship doesn't stop with our coach after they have hit their last tennis ball for us. It is not a transactional relationship for four years with the people here, but it is beyond that, it's forever."

Q: What are your future goals and aspirations after graduating from UD?
A: I will be playing professional tennis after I graduate, so I will start up again this summer after beginning last summer and just see where tennis takes me. My goal is to be ranked as high as I can get."

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