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Boise State men's tennis player Meredith in a new world

The New Zealand native comes from a laid-back environment and has had to adjust to life in Boise.

BY NICK JEZIERNY - njezierny@idahostatesman.com

Published: 04/04/09


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The newest member of the Boise State tennis team is capable of putting a smile on the face of coach Greg Patton and driving him crazy at the same time.

James Meredith, a freshman from New Zealand who joined the team in January, is laid back. Patton is not.

"I drive him crazy and he drives me crazy," Patton said. "It's a match made in heaven. James just has this flow about him - there is no turbulence on his flight."

Meredith, 19, never had been to the U.S. before arriving in Boise. He also had to learn to deal with Patton.

"He's one of a kind," Meredith said. "He's sort of always in your face, and in New Zealand, we're more laid back. He's so high energy, and I'm not really used to that. I'm still adjusting to it."

Any awkwardness between player and coach hasn't shown up on the court.

Meredith, who plays No. 3 singles behind seniors Clancy Shields and Kean Feeder and No. 1 doubles with Feeder, is 14-5 in singles and 13-7 in doubles. Meredith is ranked 71st nationally in singles and 50th with Feeder in doubles.

"I am so excited about this guy," Patton said. "His talent level is unbelievable and he's very tennis brilliant."

That comes from learning the game at a young age from a family that is deeply rooted in the sport. Meredith said he started playing at age 3 or 4 and would run around with a racket while two older brothers competed in tournaments across New Zealand. Those brothers now are coaches.

Meredith would like a career in the sport after his time at BSU, which so far, he's enjoyed because of teammates who make him feel at home.

"They're a great bunch of guys," he said. "We try to push each other."

Patton called Meredith's future "blazing" and said a professional coach watched Meredith hit and compared him to pro Andy Murray.

"He said, 'This guy is going to be pro,' " Patton said. "James is one of the best talents we've had, and we've had some great, great players. He's right there at the top."

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