This week, The Clarion sat down with men’s tennis player Yannik James.
Q: When did you start playing tennis?
A: I started at the age of four. My dad plays, so I used to travel with him wherever he went. Being around a tennis court as a young child, I guess I just got into it.
Q: What was your training like?
A: In the Caribbean, you don’t really play tennis with the school, so I was mostly training with my dad. He has really been my only coach. He has a tennis school with about 50 kids and he teaches all of them.
Q: How did you come to DU?
A: I was playing a tournament in Maryland and the assistant coach saw me and we spoke. He asked me to come out and visit. After the meeting, I began speaking with head coach Danny Westerman. I loved DU and the people were so friendly. After researching the school, I decided to commit and come to Denver.
Q: How was the transition to college?
A: The biggest thing about moving is being far away from my family. I have been traveling all of my life and playing different tournaments so I’m used to that. The weather is such a huge difference. Going from 75 every day to 20 degrees every day has affected me a lot. As of right now, I’m still enjoying it here!
Q: Did the change in weather affect your tennis abilities?
A: Because it was so cold at some points, it did affect me during practice. But after practicing in it, when it comes to a match, I’m pretty much ready for anything.
Q: Were there changes between last season and this one?
A: Yes, for sure. There was a big change in attitude. I’ve been working a lot harder on and off the court.
Q: What are your goals?
A: The first goal that comes to mind is having a better season than last year. After that, I set little goals, like having an intense practice and trying to get better every day. Once I complete these little goals, I will be able to better my performance each season.
Q: What are your post-college plans?
A: The plan is to play tennis professionally. When I graduate, I’ll see what happens. Plan B is to become an actuary or something involving numbers.
Q: What is your favorite memory from home in Grenada?
A: I miss home because, when I’m back home, I live right next to the sea. I can walk on the beach. It helps me think and it helps with tennis and all parts of life.
