After setting the record for the most career singles wins and doubles wins, senior Erich Chen of the men's tennis team sat down with Sports Editor Jenna Hudson.
JH: Can you tell me about setting all those records?
EC: After my junior year, my coach told me how close I was to breaking the record. I was thinking about not playing tennis this year because it is kind of a full-time job in addition to school, and I do have an internship. But then I had a chance to break the record. When I did become close to it, I was kind of nervous. Luckily I was able to put it in the back of my mind so I was able to do it.
JH: Looking back, what were some other high points?
EC: I think my sophomore year where we reached our highest national ranking as a program.
JH: Did you find it difficult balancing school and tennis?
EC: It just took some constant attention to make sure I was on task all the time. There was school in the morning, practice in the afternoon and homework after that.
JH: Were teachers understanding when you had to miss class?
EC: Surprisingly yes. I've heard some horror stories about teachers just not being understanding at all. But most of my teachers have been really nice .
JH: Now that you're graduating, what do you plan to do?
EC: I'll be traveling to Hawaii actually to play a doubles tournament. Once next fall comes around, I'll start a full-time job.
JH: What job?
EC: I'm going to be starting as an analyst for Accenture, a developing company in Palo Alto.
JH: Is staying in the Bay Area something you were looking for?
EC: Yeah, it was something I most definitely looked for when looking for jobs. I just love this area so much.
JH: Have you lived in the Bay Area your whole life?
EC: My whole life. I just can't seem to get away from this place.
JH: Do you think you'll just play tennis casually or go pro?
EC: The plan is now, just to go with the safer route and go with the full-time job.
JH: How did you get started playing tennis?
EC: My father started me on playing tennis. And then my mother took over.
JH: How old were you?
EC: Ten years old.
JH: How did you start competing?
EC: I started going to clinics at the local club. And then I started playing tournaments and doing well.
JH: How did you decide to come to Santa Clara?
EC: I was recruited by the tennis coach. Because I went to Bellarmine, I never even thought about coming to Santa Clara because it was so close. It was just a combination of good academics in the field that I'm in, computer engineering, and the tennis program, which was on the rise at the time.
JH: What other schools were you looking at?
EC: Harvard and Berkeley.
JH: Have you been happy with your decision to come here?
EC: Definitely. I've been lucky where I like every aspect of coming to school here.
JH: What do you think you're going to miss most?
EC: Definitely the people. And the tennis team. And even though I hated it while I was doing it, I'm going to miss the workouts.
JH: Was your team really close?
EC: This year especially, we were very close. We all hung out all the time, outside of tennis.
JH: What do you like to do in your spare time?
EC: Definitely go out a bit. I enjoy the computer and I love video games.
JH: Do you watch pro sports on TV?
EC: Yeah, all of them.
JH: What are your favorites?
EC: Pro basketball and football.
JH: Who are your favorite teams?
EC: For football, the Oakland Raiders. I know everyone's probably going to hate me for saying that. And then for basketball, probably the Dallas Mavericks or Sacramento Kings.
JH: Why Dallas?
EC: I love Steve Nash, except for that hair.
JH: Do you watch tennis?
EC: I never liked watching tennis when I was younger on TV. Now I love watching tennis too.
JH: Is there any particular tennis player that you look up to?
EC: Pete Sampras when he was playing. He was my idol.
JH: Are you looking forward to graduating?
EC: I'm looking forward to graduating and finishing my college career. But I'm definitely going to miss this place