by Natalie D'Anna
Playing tennis for the University of Arizona has given senior Trevor James more than a college experience, it has inspired him to play the sport he loves all over the world.
James transferred to Arizona from Pacific after his sophomore year. The San Jose native loves playing in Arizona because of the sunny weather Tucson has to offer.
When deciding where to transfer, James had a few options, but the University of Arizona stuck out the most to him.
“It's a good program, Pac 12 matches are definitely enticing,” said James.
Since arriving his sophomore year, James said that there wasn't much expected out of him. Now as a senior, his role has changed.
“Now I have more of a leadership role for the younger guys. I know I am a good example for them in practices and matches with how I act, I take that pretty seriously”
Since his freshman year, James has become a lot more assertive and has developed strong relationships with his other teammates.
“All of the guys have been doing a really good job over the past few years trying to get better, regardless of the results, it has been fun to watch the guys get older and more mature, said James. “I have grown a lot personally and as a tennis player surely. It has been fun overall, a lot of work but fun.”
Head coach Tad Berkowitz said, "Trevor does a great job speaking up and motivating the guys when need be. I've seen him countless times encouraging them individually when they need a step in the right direction."
James has placed a high priority on putting in extra work on and off of the court, and takes advantage of the benefits the U of A Athletic Department has to offer, like the gym.
"Trevor brings a consistent attitude and work ethic every single day. It doesn't matter which day of the week or what point we are during the season, he always works hard and his effort is second to none."
James said his biggest motivation has been to see how much better he can improve himself, regardless of the results.
“I like to see how much better I can feel about myself and my game,” said James.
James has proven to be a strong asset to the team in doubles play, and said he believes that his doubles record is his biggest accomplishment,
Along with James' biggest accomplishment, his favorite memory on the team involves doubles play.
“My favorite memory was playing doubles with Kieren Thompson against UCLA,” said James. We were playing against the No. 1 doubles team in the nation. We were six all in a tiebreaker when the match was suspended. That match was a lot of fun; he is a really energetic guy to play with.”
Since first coming to play for Arizona, James has really come to terms with the kind of player he wants to be in order to move forward and play professional events and tournaments around the world after he graduates.
James will graduate in May with a major in philosophy and a minor in film. After graduation, James plans to work a few months over the summer and then to start traveling.
“I am going to travel and play some tournaments probably in Europe, maybe some in America but I want to expand my horizons,” said James.
James is also looking at places like Israel and Egypt to play because there are a lot of opportunities to participate in tournaments there.
Senior Matt Dunn said, “Trevor has always been a good guy, he is always good for a laugh. I will miss arguing with him about stuff that should never be argued about because it is so one sided, but I always like taking the side that he isn't on. I'll miss picking his brain about stuff.”
“I will miss the group of guys,” said James. Every year it has been really interesting, the people who come on the team. They are all such characters. Each year it seems to get funnier and funnier. I am going to miss the variety of people.”
"What I will miss most about Trevor is his love and passion for tennis," said Berkowitz. "You can tell every time he steps on the court how much he loves to play. I truly appreciate his time at Arizona and he has had such a positive influence on our program."
