This upcoming season, the University of South Alabama men's tennis program will welcome two newcomers to the team. One of the two, sophomore Sean Robinson, transferred from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Robinson, a Diamondhead, Miss. native, spoke with USAJaguars.com about what it's like being the only American on the team and why he chose South Alabama.

When did you start playing tennis?
"I started playing when I was about three but really got competitive in it when I was nine. I really love the sport because it's more of an individual thing. I have always had fun playing tennis and I grew up with it."

Why did you choose South Alabama?
"I chose South Alabama because of the engineering program. I am really excited about that. I love the campus. It is rapidly growing from what I have been told and what I can see. Also, having the ability to play tennis here was another main reason I chose this school."

How did you come in contact with South Alabama?
"I was just looking for a school to transfer to that was closer to home. I saw South Alabama and their engineering program so it seemed like a good choice for me."

What do you enjoy most about the game of tennis?
"I love the competitive aspect of it. The one on one is really nice. I love to win so that's always something you look forward to. I really like the humility of the sport and how humble the players can be. It's a very respectable sport."

Other than tennis, what are some things you're into off the court?
"I love soccer. I played in high school on the varsity team for six years because the middle school played with the high school. That was a lot of fun. I also really like fishing. We have a boat back home so I go fishing with my father a lot. I just picked up kite boarding and it's been a blast."

What are your expectations of yourself this season?
"I'm just looking to improve a lot and try to help the team as best as I can, whether I become a starter or not. My main purpose on the team right now is to help this program grow and develop so I'm really excited to help out."

Who is the toughest to match up against in practice?
"I would have to say Danny (Leitner) is the toughest to match up against. Danny just doesn't miss. He's going to try to find any way to beat you, even if he has to change his game completely. He wants to win and he is very competitive. Whenever he is in pressure situations he elevates his game and plays just a little bit better and that's what separates the guys who look the same from the guys who perform differently on the court."

What professional player(s) do you model your game after?
"Rafael Nadal. I'm left handed like him and I try to be as aggressive as him, which is impossible. He's a fighter on the court. He goes out there and goes to work every single point and focuses. He's a very good person to watch if you want to learn anything about tennis."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"My father has had the biggest influence on my life. I've spent the most time with him. He pretty much molded me into who I am today. He's told me that throughout life stuff is going to happen and he'll ask me what I'm going to do when it does. He wants me to start thinking about things ahead of time and really prepare for everything. His motto is preparation equals performance, so the more you prepare, the more you will succeed."

What do you believe is the biggest strength of your game?
"I don't think it's just one specific thing like my forehand or my serve or anything. I would say it's my tenacity. I try to go out and battle every point, even if it might seem like I'm not winning the majority of the points. I try my best every single point to try to do what I can to win that point. If I had to say one specific thing, I really like my transition game."

What are you majoring in here at South Alabama and what do you plan on doing after graduation?
"I'm majoring in mechanical engineering, but I'm not exactly sure what I want to do after graduation. I'm thinking about possibly going through a master's program and doing something a little more specific. I really want to get into the work force and get some years under my belt and then possibly come back for my masters."

What is it like being the only American on the team?
"It's actually really interesting. You get to learn about all the different cultures that the guys have and start to pick up on some words and phrases that they have. I think it's interesting to meet people from all around the world. Tennis is a very international sport so it's been really nice to meet the guys and see how they are."

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