Trudel Named NWC Player of the Year
Joel Trudel was named the 2009 NWC Conference Player of the Year with his undefeated performance at the number one singles position for PLU.
Trudel wasn't the only PLU player to earn all-conference recognition. In addition to Trudel's selection to the first team, junior Michael Manser received second team accord.
Throughout 2009, Trudel illustrated his unbreakable resolve by not dropping a single tie-breaker or super-breaker in conference play. He also posted five split-set victories, two of which he came from behind to win when he dropped the first set.
Trudel's teammates have jokingly attributed his success to an increasingly growing mustache he wore for most of the season. His teammates and friends began to associate the mustache to his outstanding performance. It got so much attention that on a trip to Vancouver, Trudel's older brother commented, ‘This is my brother Joel. He has a dirty mustache. Make fun of him.'
However, with a look back into conference play, no one is laughing. Even with the removal of the mustache (Trudel shaved it on his 23rd birthday) he still continued to dominate the conference with singles wins over Linfield in the NWC semifinals and Whitman in the finals.
With the close of the 2008-09 season, it is not even a competition. Hands down, Joel Trudel is the most valuable player for the Lutes, ending the year playing both at the number one singles and doubles positions. His performance and mentorship for the team on and off the court greatly added to the Lutes' success this year.
