Raymond Traweek will pursue his education at Rice University in Houston, Texas this coming fall. Ray, an athlete in the Academy program, is currently a senior at St. Stephen’s here in Austin.

 

"For me, the decision was fairly easy. Rice was one of the best schools that I ended up getting into, and as such Rice fit the bill perfectly,” Ray said. “Not only was it the best fit for me as a person, but I felt that it was a uniquely challenging school that still maintained a closeness to my home.”

 

Ray also considered Wake Forest, Washington University, and the University of Texas.

 

 

“I first heard about Rice as a young child, much before the age where college was on my radar screen,” Ray said. “I first thought of Rice as a viable option for university from my college counselor, who advised me to apply under his personal opinion that it would be a great fit for me.”

 

Ray explained that in his opinion, schools ranked in the top 20 are very similar academically, and it comes down to a matter of personal preference.

 

“The thing about Rice that stood out to me the most was its integrity as a school and the closeness of the community,” Ray said.” Quality of character is held in extremely high regard, and the close-knit community reflects that.”

 

Ray has been an honor student his entire career at St. Stephen’s. He is also a winner of the English Academic Excellence Award.

 

 

“The opportunities that I will have are far greater, and intrinsically deeper and more fulfilling,” Ray said. “College is a time to experiment, and a place like Rice will not only allow, but actively encourage, a pioneering spirit. The overall plan, of course, is to be a doctor; but at a place like Rice, I owe it to myself to explore.”

 

High-level tennis has been a part of Ray’s life for a long time, as has Austin Tennis Academy.  While at Rice, Ray explained that as of now, he plans to continue his tennis career by joining the club team. While he prioritizes academics above athletics, he still credits ATA and his coaches for much of his success.

 

“ATA has prepared me in so many ways for trials that I know I will face in life,” Ray said. “Athletics to me has always been a bit of a strange world, yet the fresh new perspective that ATA has given me has helped me mature not only as an athlete, but as a person. Yes, Coach Davis taught me how to hit backhands and front foot pivots; yes, Coach Newman helped me understand the ebb and flow of offense to defense within a point. Yet, ATA has not just taught me lessons on the court. ATA taught me accountability, responsibility, and instilled in me a confidence that I never knew existed." 


 

Ray also gives special thanks to his parents and Coach Davis. 


 

“Definitely a big shout out goes to my parents, especially my mom, for pushing me so hard in my studies,” Ray said. “Coach D most definitely earns a special mention, for never letting anything slide while I was one of his students.”

 

Come see Ray, along side ATA teammates Colton Malesovas and Taylor Shamshiri, sign college intent letters at the signing party at 6pm in the ATA Fitness Center.