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In 2005, Laredo native Roger Gubser carried the highest overall winning percentage (70.3) on the men’s tennis team.

In 2005, Gubser also earned his second Academic All-Big 12 First Team honor.

Understand, he feels an equal amount of pride in both.

“Academics have been a challenge because of the amount of time I spend on tennis,” said the fifth-year senior economics major who prepped at St. Stephen’s in Austin.

“But doing well in academics is something that I have been dedicated to since I got to Texas,” he continued. “It’s very important to me and always has been.”

The honor of being the Male Student-Athlete of the Month, therefore, has much significance to Gubser.

“The award is awesome,” he said. “It is great having academics recognized. I think the competitiveness and focus that I bring to my tennis, I also have brought to my studies. It’s similar in that way, especially knowing how important they both are to me.”

Gubser, a recipient of the 2001 McKinley National Sportsmanship Award, ended last season ranked 81st nationally in singles. He plans on giving the pro tour a try, but after graduation.

“Once I have my degree, no matter what happens in pro tennis I’ll be OK,” he said. “That degree will allow me to get a job in the field that I choose.”

Gubser, who has been in Austin nearly a decade with boarding at St. Stephen’s before coming to UT, admits it is hard to believe that his college experience is nearing an end.

“I’ll tell you that Texas has been great,” Gubser said. “I didn’t know what to expect coming from a private school into a university of this size, but it has been wonderful.

“It’s been great to be a part of the legacy of the Texas Longhorns.”

Asked how he is different than five years ago, Gubser said, “I have matured. I got here as a 17-year-old kid, so I have definitely matured.

“Being at Texas has been great for me.”