Evan Song

Which sport(s) do you play? Tennis on the national level, basketball, football, snowboarding, ping pong

What school do you attend? Green Valley High School

How long have you competed and what motivated you to get involved in your sport? The first time I picked up a tennis racquet was when I was 10.  I started competing in national tennis tournaments in 2004 and have been hooked ever since.  I’m motivated to play tennis because I love to compete.

What do you like most about your sport(s)? I like the fact that there are no politics out there and it’s just me competing by myself.  I have to rely on myself to play my best and no one can take me out of the game.

What is your favorite sport to watch on TV and why? Tennis -- because it’s my game and I learn a lot from the ATP professionals.

Who is your favorite athlete or person you draw inspiration from? Why do you draw inspiration from this person? Roger Federer.  He inspires me because he has developed his game to the point where he has no flaws – technically, physically or mentally.  He has dominated the game for the last 3 years and he’s probably the best player to ever play the game.   

Do you think that being an athlete helps or hinders you with your academic studies? Being involved in tennis at the national level means that I have to be dedicated and disciplined in my training which also helps me in my academic studies which require the same dedication and discipline.  And besides my dad told me that there’s no way that I can even think about being a stupid jock so I have to study hard and get good grades.  I have a 3.8 GPA.

What is the biggest challenge for a student/athlete? The biggest challenge for a student/athlete is in learning how to manage the time that you have so that you don’t waste time.

Do you plan on pursuing your sport at the college level? Yes, my high school coach just gave me a letter from UCLA that said they were interested in me playing there.  That was exciting for me because my sister went there and UCLA is a great school.

Please list any accomplishments you are proud of achieving in your sport:
- My highest ranking has been #23 in the United States
- I received the “Pancho Gonzales Most Promising Player Award” in Nevada by the USTA in 2004
- I received the “Mike Agassi No-Quit Player of the Year Award” in 2007 from the Marty Hennessy Foundation
- I received the Green Valley High School Athlete/Scholar Award in 2007
- I won the Nevada High School State Singles Championship in 2007
- I received the USTA Sportsmanship Award in 2007

**Fun Questions**
Do you have a favorite saying? No.
What is your favorite food? Chipotle.
Favorite show on TV? Entourage and Scrubs.
Favorite movie? Garden State.