SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: 20 Questions With Men’s Tennis Senior Kyle Hoffman
3/9/2015 1:55:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Statesboro, Ga. – The Eagles are coming off a 2-0 weekend as they were victorious over Elon University and the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Now 5-6 on the year, the team has had their fair share of matches that have been decided by 1 point. In the UNC-G match, it came down to senior Kyle Hoffman. The 6'2" Sarasota, Florida native battled courageously to get the win in 3 sets and clinch the match for the Eagles.
We sat down with Hoffman and played "20 Questions."
1. Who got you in to the game of tennis and when did you start playing?
My grandfather (Poppy) got me into the sport of tennis. He would always toss the tennis ball to me on our back porch and I would attempt to hit it.
2. If you weren't playing tennis, what others sports would you be competing in at the college level?
Is Men's Beach Volleyball a college sport yet? If not, I probably would have to run cross country.
3. Being a senior on the team, What's your leadership style?
I like to think of my leadership style as emotional. I really do love this school and all my teammates and want the best for the program. I try to pour the emotions into my fellow teammates and how I play on the court.
4. If your talents were absolutely limitless, what would you do for a living? (you can't say professional tennis)
I would most likely be a professional surfer for a living. I love being on the water and being a surfer you get to see some of the most spectacular swells and reefs.
5. What is your perfect pre-game meal?
Lately it has been a pepperoni calzone. I ate that before every team win we had this year.
6. What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
I like spending time with my friends. Whether that be hanging by the pool, throwing the frisbee, or playing crochet.
7. If you could start your own professional sports team what would the team name be and what would the colors be...why?
Dolphins, simply because that's my favorite animal and the colors would be blue and white.
8. Who on the team are you closest with?
I have to go with the other Florida beach bumb Robbie Thompson. We have been through a lot together and have always had each other's back. Plus he has a Crockpot.
9. What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
The first three songs on my pre-game playlist would have to Don't Bring Me Down, I'm Shipping Up to Boston, and Walking in Memphis
10. What's your go to dance move?
Spinning the girl I'm dancing with. It's their favorite and the easiest for me to perform.
11. Before a game do you prefer to get hyped up with the team, or do you prefer to keep it calm and do your own thing?
Hyped. I like to let everyone know that we are here to make some noise and kick some butt.
12. What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
I am majoring in Finance and my favorite class was Investments with Dr. Hatem. If you ever have a chance to take a class from this man, Do it! This man has thought me more in the one semester of college then most of my educational years.
13. What makes Coach Koning the type of coach you love to play for?
He has a high expectation which leads him to pushing us to maximize our potential every day.
14. Who is the funniest person on the team and why?
Pradeep Raja. This guy doesn't mean to be funny but I always find myself laughing at his comments or actions. Great guy.
15. Name a teammate who has tons of potential and tell us why?
Juan Carlos aka JC. This guy doesn't take no for an answer and works harder than anyone I have met. He is a great asset for our team and an even better person.
16. Once you're done at Georgia Southern, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as someone who cared a lot about everyone he came in contact with. I hope the relationships I have built in college will carry on for the rest of my life.
17. What is plan once you graduate?
My plan once I graduate is to move into the corporate world. I am looking for a challenging opportunity that will open doors for my future.
18. Do you like playing singles or doubles more and why?
Doubles! It is all about teamwork. I believe that it is more enjoyable to have success as a team than as an individual.
19. If you and "Gus" were going to be in a movie, what type of movie would it be and what characters would each of you play?
All my teammates say that Lion King describes my life. I would be Simba and Gus would be that wise old monkey Rafiki.
20. What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at Georgia Southern?
Thank you. I can't say how much it has meant to everyone on the team when you come out to support. Georgia Southern was an incredible opportunity and I loved every moment of my career here. I will always bleed Blue and White. HAIL SOUTHERN!
The Eagles will return to action Sunday March 15th at the Wallis Tennis Center as they take on the visiting Knights of the University of Central Florida. The match will begin at 12 p.m.
For other senior interviews and "20 Questions" Click Below:
Jelani Hewitt
Anna Claire Knight
Elaina Lanson
Scott Wolfes
Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Fans can purchase tickets to Georgia Southern Athletics events by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by visiting GSEagles.com.
We sat down with Hoffman and played "20 Questions."
1. Who got you in to the game of tennis and when did you start playing?
My grandfather (Poppy) got me into the sport of tennis. He would always toss the tennis ball to me on our back porch and I would attempt to hit it.
2. If you weren't playing tennis, what others sports would you be competing in at the college level?
Is Men's Beach Volleyball a college sport yet? If not, I probably would have to run cross country.
3. Being a senior on the team, What's your leadership style?
I like to think of my leadership style as emotional. I really do love this school and all my teammates and want the best for the program. I try to pour the emotions into my fellow teammates and how I play on the court.
4. If your talents were absolutely limitless, what would you do for a living? (you can't say professional tennis)
I would most likely be a professional surfer for a living. I love being on the water and being a surfer you get to see some of the most spectacular swells and reefs.
5. What is your perfect pre-game meal?
Lately it has been a pepperoni calzone. I ate that before every team win we had this year.
6. What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
I like spending time with my friends. Whether that be hanging by the pool, throwing the frisbee, or playing crochet.
7. If you could start your own professional sports team what would the team name be and what would the colors be...why?
Dolphins, simply because that's my favorite animal and the colors would be blue and white.
8. Who on the team are you closest with?
I have to go with the other Florida beach bumb Robbie Thompson. We have been through a lot together and have always had each other's back. Plus he has a Crockpot.
9. What are the first 3 songs on your pre-game playlist?
The first three songs on my pre-game playlist would have to Don't Bring Me Down, I'm Shipping Up to Boston, and Walking in Memphis
10. What's your go to dance move?
Spinning the girl I'm dancing with. It's their favorite and the easiest for me to perform.
11. Before a game do you prefer to get hyped up with the team, or do you prefer to keep it calm and do your own thing?
Hyped. I like to let everyone know that we are here to make some noise and kick some butt.
12. What are you majoring in and what's your favorite class?
I am majoring in Finance and my favorite class was Investments with Dr. Hatem. If you ever have a chance to take a class from this man, Do it! This man has thought me more in the one semester of college then most of my educational years.
13. What makes Coach Koning the type of coach you love to play for?
He has a high expectation which leads him to pushing us to maximize our potential every day.
14. Who is the funniest person on the team and why?
Pradeep Raja. This guy doesn't mean to be funny but I always find myself laughing at his comments or actions. Great guy.
15. Name a teammate who has tons of potential and tell us why?
Juan Carlos aka JC. This guy doesn't take no for an answer and works harder than anyone I have met. He is a great asset for our team and an even better person.
16. Once you're done at Georgia Southern, what do you want to be remembered as?
I want to be remembered as someone who cared a lot about everyone he came in contact with. I hope the relationships I have built in college will carry on for the rest of my life.
17. What is plan once you graduate?
My plan once I graduate is to move into the corporate world. I am looking for a challenging opportunity that will open doors for my future.
18. Do you like playing singles or doubles more and why?
Doubles! It is all about teamwork. I believe that it is more enjoyable to have success as a team than as an individual.
19. If you and "Gus" were going to be in a movie, what type of movie would it be and what characters would each of you play?
All my teammates say that Lion King describes my life. I would be Simba and Gus would be that wise old monkey Rafiki.
20. What do you want to say to the fans who have watched you play during your time at Georgia Southern?
Thank you. I can't say how much it has meant to everyone on the team when you come out to support. Georgia Southern was an incredible opportunity and I loved every moment of my career here. I will always bleed Blue and White. HAIL SOUTHERN!
The Eagles will return to action Sunday March 15th at the Wallis Tennis Center as they take on the visiting Knights of the University of Central Florida. The match will begin at 12 p.m.
For other senior interviews and "20 Questions" Click Below:
Jelani Hewitt
Anna Claire Knight
Elaina Lanson
Scott Wolfes
Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics, twitter.com/GSAthletics, iOS app Georgia Southern Eagles and Android app Eagles GATA. Fans can purchase tickets to Georgia Southern Athletics events by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by visiting GSEagles.com.
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