2010-2011 Tennis On Campus Leader of the Year, Ross Friedman
By: Katie Timinsky
The 2010-2011 Tennis On Campus Leader of the Year, Ross Friedman, has been a driving force in the success of his Club team. In his few short years with the program he has been successful in transforming his teammates both on and off the court. We had the opportunity to sit down with Ross and learn more about his team, his leadership style and his thoughts on the Tennis On Campus program.
Q: What do you think was the most important thing you have done as Club President?
A: As Club President it was important for me to find a way to make our program both competitive and fun. I wanted our club team to compete at a high level but also provide a niche for our recreational players. In the past we went to tournaments to just get the experience, but my true goal was for us to compete competitively and have fun while doing it. In my last year, I felt as though I had accomplished my goal and we were right in the mix in every tournament we attended.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of the Tennis On Campus program?
A: My favorite aspect of the Tennis On Campus program is the structure and the organization that the program attains. All of the TOC tournaments were remarkable and the fact that they existed at least 3 times a semester in our area was outstanding. It was great for us to compete against top quality players.
Q: Part of the criteria for being chosen as Leader of the Year is taking part in community service projects. What community service projects has your team been a part of and what has been your favorite one?
A: We have done a great deal of community service projects thus far. My favorite project, however, was the event we did last fall at a homeless shelter. We made over 300 sandwiches and helped wrap gifts and such for the holidays. It was very gratifying at the end to see all of the food that we made and know that it was going to help so many people.
Q: Will you continue playing tennis after college? If so, what do you plan on doing?
I plan on playing in USTA adult leagues and other USTA affiliated tournaments as I enter the real world. I have been playing tennis since I was 6 and I won't stop. There are still so many opportunities and organizations that are out there and I am excited for the next road ahead.
Q: What advice would you give to other Tennis On Campus clubs?
What I would like to tell the other clubs is to take advantage of the many opportunities that this program provides. Tournaments exist all over the country and being able to travel and attend these tournaments is truly amazing. I would also advise them to take a leadership role within their club and to promote their team throughout the university and beyond. Being able to be a part of this program is such a rewarding experience and I would highly encourage people to be part of that and get the word out to as many people as possible about club tennis.
Click here for more news and photos from the 2011 USTA National Campus Championship.