I have always been very fond of watching professional tennis. I keep with with all the seasonal matches, follow the rankings of the top players, and actively look out for new players to support. Since I’ve always been a spectator of tennis, I’ve never actually realized how much time and dedication goes behind playing each match. In addition to staying physically fit, the players have to be emotionally stable before each and every game, and that support only comes from the environment in which they are training. Therefore, the people they they surround themselves with both inside and outside the world of tennis plays a prominent role in their success.  Silviu Tanasoiu, the coach of Cornell’s men tennis team, explained to us how his players stay physically and emotionally sound during the training season and learn to balance the sport with their academic and social responsibilities.

The Cornell men’s tennis team have players from all over the world who are the best in their region. Coming from all walks of life, these players not only bring their best game to Cornell, but they also bring in their different cultures. Ultimately, what binds all the players together is their passion for the game and their commitment to their academics. Coach Tanasoiu mentioned that young tennis players aiming to play professionally in the future are averse to going to college in the fear that it will interfere with their training. I believe that getting a degree from college allows the players to secure a backup plan in their career if they do not get the chance to play professionally. By going to university, athletes realize how much the world has to offer outside of tennis which can help them realize their true potential. Education is the key to finding out what one’s interested in and good at, so that they can expand their education into a full fledged career. However, for athletes the path might not be as clear from the beginning, as they are equally committed to their sport as they are to their academics.  Nevertheless, they should have the opportunity to explore the world beyond their sport and a university education gives them just the right amount of studies to balance with their training.