Pereira, who played a prominent role in UNCW's first Colonial Athletic Association tennis championship last spring, competed as an amateur in the International Tennis Federation's Futures Tour, the first stage of professional tennis. The Fayetteville, N.C., product participated in events in Joplin, Mo., Decatur, Ill., and Godfrey, Ill.

      "My goal was to learn as much as possible about the tour and what it takes to be a professional," said Pereira, who is taking a few days off before resuming training for the fall season. "It wasn't about winning or anything like that. It was more of an educational experience for me. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could."

      The talented southpaw closed out his Midwestern adventure with a 4-3 record, but posted two victories over opponents who had previously qualified at other events. Pereira's favorite appearance, not surprisingly, came at Decatur, where he won two rounds, including a gutsy three-set victory, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-1, over Mexico's Jose Gerardo Meza Paniagua.

      "It's very tough to make it on the pro tour," Pereira noted. "I learned how people train every day, how often they hit, and how they handle their personal matters. It's important to surround yourself with the right people and to wear the appropriate attire.

      "Playing professional tennis is extremely difficult financially. Everybody is in the same boat because they're trying to cut costs and save money. It's important to find a travel partner."

      Third-year UNCW coach Mait DuBois, the CAA's Coach-of-the-Year in 2009, said Pereira's sneak peek into professional tennis will be beneficial down the line.

      "Exposure to professional tennis is an important part of a player's development, and I think the experience Michael received this summer will be very valuable," said DuBois. "The Futures Tour is a cutthroat environment. Players are looking to establish themselves to earn points that will get them into higher money events.

      "Michael had some success right out of the gate to come home with a winning record, and that's very impressive. He has come a long way in his two years with us, going from a player who was not qualifying for U.S. Junior Nationals to winning against some of the world's best players."

      While his experience with professional tennis was a brief one, Pereira, too, believes it will pay dividends when the time comes to venture out on his own.

      "When I left I was unsure about it because you're playing the best players in the world," he reflected. "Now I believe it's very possible for someone like me to make it. I have two more years of college to work on my game, and I'm right there. I just need to take a few little steps."

      Ironically, Pereira traveled to venues like Joplin, Godfrey and Decatur, only to find something about himself.

      "I learned to appreciate the style I have," he said. "You see the professionals and they're just smacking the ball. My style is a little more defensive, and I like to compete hard. I've always been self conscious about what other people are thinking. I learned to accept my style and embrace it. When you have confidence in what you're doing, you play better."

      With just a few days remaining in the summer, Pereira looked back on a trip that provided many memorable moments. "I had a lot of fun and have some interesting stories. You meet so many characters at Futures events. I met a 32-year-old living out of a bus still chasing his dream. I made some friends forever...it was special."