Proud Of Our Alumni!

Coach,

After reading Santi's eloquent letter written in such beautiful English , I was inspired to share my accounts of college life thus far with the young ATA stallions, and hopefully I can help a little as they grow and begin preparing for college.

Let it first be said that that without the ATA I would not be here at the school of my dreams. Without tennis, I could never have gotten into such a prestigious school. But with Eric and Jack guiding me through the college process, I was able to maximize my opportunities.

Classes are unbelievably challenging, every student in every class was one of the best students in their elite private high school, which has its positives and negatives. I have never had to work so hard at anything. It is a huge challenge and time commitment to keep up in your classes, but the work is interesting, and thus far I am experiencing mixed results while learning from each success and setback.

On the tennis court, we have an incredible team. We are one of a few major threats to win a national championship and the energy that brings to practice each day is inspiring. I haven't been playing my best, but learing about being a part of a team at ATA perpared me very well. Many players are selfish and worried only about themselves. Being a part of a team at ATA taught me that there are an infinite number of ways to contribute to the well-being of a team. I see it as my role, whether I start or not, to make a huge impact of our success, and that is only because of the team culture Jack creates.

The greatest part of college has been the relationships with my teammates and the closeness of the team. We are a unit. We live together, we eat together, we support one another, and of course we party together. I couldn't imagine leaving home at my age without a support group like my teammates. The older guys go out of their way to help the freshman time and time again. Between the team and coach, its like having the support of a family there with you, something we are accustomed to at ATA, but most college students dont have. That is an advantage of being a college athlete that isn't spoken of often, but all you young bucks will be able to enjoy.

Finally, and definitely most importantly, COLLEGE IS FUN. The freedom and independence is amazing. You have 24 hours in a day, and it is completly yours to do what your want. You don't have to go to class (although I would highly recommend it), sleep (also recommended), or clean your room (completely overrated.) You can do whatever you want whenever you want and you are surrounded by thousands of people your same age with similar interests who are all looking to have a good time.

Whether you realize it or not, you young ballers are being prepared to succeed in college each day you go to ATA. Enjoy it, appreciate it, and one day you'll be enjoying the time of your life in a great university.

More to come as the Stags pursue our lofty goals in the spring.

ATA for life,

Berbz

PS: Although Santi and I's situations may sound similar, keep in mind that the climate I am living in is actually condusive to human life and I can step outside my room without the immediate threat of frostbite.

PPS: Stag football is absolutely amazing.