LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) â€"
By Kaitlyn Millican â€" UNLV Athletic Communications Student Assistant

He is a 5-11 junior from Stockholm, Sweden, and has evolved into the central component of the UNLV men's tennis team. Within just three short years, Jakob Amilon has certainly left his mark at the Fertitta Tennis Complex. In 2014, he wrapped up his freshman campaign with an overall record of 12-6 while playing a majority of the season at the No. 6 position, posting a singles record of 9-6. In doubles he forged a 9-5 record, partnering with fellow Rebels Willie Sublette, Dimitar Petrov and Ozzy Abraham at the Nos 2-3 positions.

Those are impressive statistics to record in a rookie season, but Amilon strived for more. His persistence paid off as he was one of four Rebel netters named All-Mountain West in 2015 during his sophomore year. This accolade was well deserved as he finished with an overall record of 13-7, moving up three spots in the singles lineup to No. 3 and clinching an 11-6 mark. His doubles record also improved as he went 11-7, comprising half a tandem with now assistant coach Denys Pume and current partner Ruben Alberts at the top of the lineup. He currently plays at the No. 1 position in both singles and doubles and has had success thus far as he was named the Mountain West Men's Tennis Player of the Week in February.

Amilon was asked how he managed to jump so high in the lineup and he responded with, "I just worked hard every year. I have improved every season. Before the season you think 'Wow this is gonna be tough,' but at the end of the day all you can do is your best and that's what I've been doing so far."

The Mountain West Championship is right around the corner for the Rebels and their main goal according to Amilon is to give "100% effort." He further stated, "If we can give 100% in every match and from every player, then I think we will be very successful in this tournament. Whether we win or lose, everybody gave their best and that's fine."

Amilon then reflected on his performance this season and said, "There are some matches I wish I would have done better. I feel like I have improved my game and overall I'm happy."

As the leader of the team, Amilon plans on making sure that his team's goal of giving 100% effort every match gets accomplished by re-emphasizing the team motto followed all season long: Maintain Positivity and Appreciation.

The coaching staff is fond of Amilon and admires all that he has accomplished so far. Head coach Owen Hambrook talked about how Amilon had dealt with the pressure of playing at the top of the lineup and how he has improved overall as a player.

"He has dealt with the pressure of holding the number one position well. Overall, he has had a very good year based on his freshman year being six in singles, then three, and now one."

Hambrook said that Amilon has grown as a leader during his time at UNLV and exemplifies such energy through his constant tenacity to improve. He has become a mentor for the young talent on the team.

Don't miss Amilon and the rest of the Rebel netters in action as they are set to host the Mountain West Championship starting Friday. UNLV will be playing as the fourth seed and is scheduled to serve up fifth seeded New Mexico, starting with doubles at 6 p.m PT. Tickets are $5 per day ($3 for UNLV students and for kids 12 and under).