Even in practice, Simon Miller '11 never changes the rhythmic routine that precedes his devastating left-handed serve. He retrieves a ball, takes two quick bounces and goes right into his motion, cocking his back to achieve maximum extension. And when his opponent invariably fails to return his serve, Miller quickly steps back up to the line and repeats the process, often finishing before his opponent is even ready.

Raw talent like Miller's usually ends up in Division I tennis.

But even though he received several scholarship offers from Division I schools as a high school senior, including the University of Connecticut and Stony Brook University, Miller decided to take his powerful serve to Brandeis, the only Division III school that recruited him.

"Those [Division I] schools were nice, the guys on those teams were nice, but [Brandeis] just stood out to me," Miller said.

"Obviously, the highly ranked academics helped, but I also liked the small school feel. You get more personal attention from the coach, it's a tighter atmosphere.

Now, Miller will take his place at the top of coach Ben Lamanna's lineup, a list depleted this year after its six top players graduated last year, including 2005 University Athletic Association Player of the Year Sam Jonas '07.

Miller's short, stocky build isn't typical of a college tennis player, but he uses his upper-body strength to generate incredible power, allowing him to hit forehands well above his chest.

That power helped drive the Plantation, Fla. native to a top-20 ranking in regional boys singles for the United States Tennis Association during his high school career.

Lamanna, however, says he is most impressed with Miller's work ethic and commitment to the team.

"He's a bulldog," Lamanna says. "He brings a presence that convinces everyone to raise their games, and he's always working to get better and better. Above all, I knew that he could be a great player, but also a team leader that can mentor all the other guys."

Miller first heard about Brandeis when he met Lamanna during a recruiting showcase at Yale University in the summer of 2006.

Lamanna said he remembered thinking that Miller would never go to a Division III school, but the two began talking when they coincidentally ended up sitting on the same bench between matches.

Lamanna was hardly the only coach that spoke to Miller at that tournament, but Miller says that conversation resonated with him more than the others.

"He kind of stuck in my mind a bit more," Miller says.

"I was very nervous, because I had never done anything like [the recruiting showcase] before, playing in front of all these coaches."

The two crossed paths again at the USTA National Clay Court Championships in July 2006. It was the first national tournament Miller played in the under-18 division, and Lamanna flew down to watch his three-set comeback victory in his first-round match.

Lamanna sat next to a family friend of Miller's throughout that match and eventually began having regular conversations with Miller's relatives, who valued Brandeis' academic excellence and liked its connections to the Jewish community.

Despite Brandeis' Division III status, Lamanna successfully convinced Miller that he had a great opportunity to join a winning squad.

"I sold him on the fact that he could be a big fish in a small pond, and we're building a team that can eventually compete for a national championship," Lamanna says.

"That would never happen at a mid-level Division I school. The best they hope for is a conference championship and a chance to get their butt kicked by [the top programs]."

Miller eventually identified Brandeis and Connecticut as the two front-runners. He visited both schools that fall, and although he said it was a tough decision, the Judges' camaraderie ultimately swayed him.

"The team seemed like they were very close here," he says.

"The guys were nice at Connecticut, but it just didn't seem like they had bonded as much."

That camaraderie is already on full display. During one practice match, Miller consoles his opponent, fellow rookie Jason Sacher '11, as Sacher scolds himself after a series of errors.

But while Miller is a very serious practice player, he can also joke around, as evidenced by his self-deprecating cheer after fellow rookie David Silver '11 nearly catches him in a practice-ending sprint.

"He's got that Florida spunk," teammate Steven Nieman '11 said. "He's always coming at you, and he's very outgoing."

Despite his success as a high school player, Miller admits that he still must adjust to the college game. He cites physical fitness as an area in which he needs to improve, and Lamanna says he would like Miller to improve his backhand.

But Lamanna is confident Miller is prepared to face the type of competition offered in the University Athletic Association.

"Simon's got the experience," he said. "He's played so many tournaments, so I'm not worried about him going down and losing confidence."

"He doesn't feel entitled to anything, and that's what's special about him.