José Lejarraga was a six-time All-American for the Washington College men’s tennis team (three times each in both singles and doubles) and the first player in Centennial Conference history to be named Player of the Year for the sport three years in a row.
Those accolades are just the top line in a long list of honors and awards José received during his collegiate playing days. He was a four-time All-Centennial Conference first-team selection in both singles and doubles, was a two-time Rolex Regional Doubles Champion and two-time Centennial Conference Doubles Champion, and was named the 1999 ITA South Region Rookie of the Year. As a senior, he was awarded both the Eldridge Eliason Award and the Thomas Reeder Spedden Medal.
José posted a career singles record of 86-17, including a 71-15 mark over his final three seasons when he played at the No. 1 spot. In doubles, he went 86-20 for his career for a total win-loss record of 172-37.
In José’s four years at the College, the Shoremen won four consecutive Centennial Conference Championships and played in four straight NCAA Division III Tournaments. Their team win-loss record during that time was 62-16.
As fantastic a tennis player as he was, José was also a highly-skilled soccer player. For three seasons, after the conclusion of the fall portion of the tennis schedule, he would join the men’s soccer team. Playing as a forward, he scored three goals and assisted on two others in 25 career games.
Washington College considers it an honor and privilege to induct José Lejarraga into its Athletic Hall of Fame on this 1st day of October, 2016.
