University of West Florida

Brandon Cruickshank served as a dynamic competitor on the UWF Men’s Tennis team from 1986 to 1987. Previously, he had played 1 year at Duke University with a 15-13 season record and was listed as an all-court player and honor student. In 1987, he was an ITCA/VOLVO Academic All-American Team selection with a 17-13 season record. He was also a NAIA First Team Single All-American pick.

Cruickshank excelled on number one and two singles and a number one doubles teams. He defeated opponents in at least 29 matches and competed at the NAIA National singles and doubles tournament in two years.

He was a two-time NAIA Academic All-American for his pursuit in chemistry studies. By 1987, Cruickshank was listed as the UWF Male Scholar Athlete of the Year and also the West Florida Chemistry Department Student of the Year with his 3.70 GPA.

Upon graduating UWF, he continued on to graduate from the University of Illinois with a Ph.D. in chemistry. He is currently an associate professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Former UWF Tennis Head Coach Ralf “Skeeter” Carson:

“Brandon was an excellent serve and volley tennis player. He was a natural team leader. His teammates looked to court one for his leadership. He was the only tennis player I coached to receive a full-ride academic scholarship.”