by Natalie D'Anna

Playing for the University of Arizona means a little bit more to senior Matt Dunn, as he has grown up a devoted Wildcat fan and is the only current senior who has been on the men's tennis team for all four years.  

Dunn, a Tucson native was recruited by several other schools, but chose to stay in his hometown so he could be close to his friends and family.

“I wanted them to see me play, develop and grow,” said Dunn. “Family and friends keep me going, that's why I continue to play.”

Staying in Tucson has been valuable for Dunn, as his family and friends have been his biggest motivation.

“I like to know my family and friends are proud of me,” said Dunn.” There is nothing better than after a win, going up to my mom and dad after it's over and giving my dad a hug and my mom a kiss.”

The Tucson native also found that staying in his hometown has made a difference in his play and for the whole team in general.

Growing up in Tucson, Dunn is used to the playing conditions, he doesn't get too fatigued when it is hot outside and he doesn't need the adjustment period that a lot of other players need when they first get here.

“As far as the matches, I think it means a lot to the program and fans in general, you can have that interaction,” said Dunn.

“There is something about being from Tucson and knowing a couple people in the crowd, it does help. I don't think there is anything wrong with being the local boy, if anything it has been a pleasure being the local boy.”

Since starting his freshman year, Dunn's main goal was to just make the roster and then to make the travel roster, which he was able to do much quicker than he thought. Once making the travel roster, Dunn focused on making a positive impact in the lineup.

Dunn proved to be a huge asset in doubles play his sophomore and junior year, as he played in every doubles match and played some singles matches here and there.

“I haven't played too much this year, but that is a testament to how good our team is this year, so that role change has been different but that's what it takes for the team to be successful and that is the role of a team or a teammate,” said Dunn.

Although Dunn hasn't had as much playing time as he would like this season, he has proven to be a great leader.

“Matt does a great job with speaking up if there are any issues that he wants to address with the team,” said head coach Tad Berkowitz. “He has a very rational head on his shoulders, so when things need to be addressed with the team, he will be one of the first ones to speak up.”

Throughout Dunn's four years at Arizona, he has countless memories being on the team, one sticks out in particular.

When Dunn was a sophomore, he and his doubles partner, Mario Urquidi clinched the doubles point against Boise State. The Boise State doubles tandem, as well as Dunn and Urquidi were undefeated at the time.

“It came down to a breaker and we were able to clinch it,” said Dunn. “ It was a really cool feeling having the team around the fence, having everyone rely on you and cheering you on.”

Being a veteran on the team, Dunn has had the experience of playing with all different kinds of guys from all over the world.

“Being one of the few Americans on the team, you get to meet a lot of international guys. I feel like I have a friend on every continent at this point,” said Dunn.

Dunn, an accounting major, has found that one of his biggest obstacles since playing for Arizona has been getting into The Eller College of Management and keeping up with the demand of his classes.

Last year, Dunn had to cut his two-hour practices in half in order to make his classes

“You have to make your mark quicker, you might have to play a match on short practice,” said Dunn. “That has been the biggest obstacle, but that is what we asked for, that is why we are here, we all wanted to be student athletes and that is what it comes with.”

“Matt has always been the guy who has always put a lot on his plate,” said Berkowitz. He sets his bar very high for everything he does in life when it comes to athletics, academics, community involvement and committees. I wouldn't call this an obstacle, rather a good challenge for himself.” 

As Dunn's senior season comes to a close, he says that he will miss camaraderie of the team and being around all of them.

“There is something about having a group of guys who are all really close and who all really like each other,” said Dunn. “We can talk about pretty much anything, you can always find a good laugh, and to know that they have always got your back.”

“Matthew Dunn, he is quite the character, ever since I met him at 11-years-old, I always thought he had an issue, like a problem,” teammate Jason Jaruvang said jokingly. “After getting to know him, I realized he is a great player and a great person.” 

“Matt Dunn is a really good person, he has been here for four years, he has done a really good job showing an example to other players, he is a great doubles player as well,” said senior Trevor James.

Dunn will graduate with a major in accounting in May. This will be his first summer where he does not have tennis, so he will spend it traveling before he has to come back to U of A to start his master's degree in accounting with an emphasis on tax.

Although Dunn's playing career at Arizona will be over, he will still be apart of the team, as he will take on the role of one of the team's managers.

“The past four years have been a lot of fun, it has gone by really fast,” said Dunn. , It is sad thinking that it is going to be over soon, but there is not much I would change, I couldn't have asked for a better four years in a better place. “