Alabama Men's Tennis Catching Up with the Crimson: Zhe Zhou
9/18/2017 9:47:00 AM | Men's Tennis
With the school year underway, Alabama Men's Tennis Q&A's will be conducted throughout the fall to introduce and catch up with players on the team. The fourth Q&A is catching up with Zhe Zhou a sophomore from Tianjin, China.
What inspired you to start playing tennis?
"When I was seven years old I was pretty weak so my dad wanted me to get stronger to play a sport. I tried to play tennis a little and I fell in love."
What made you want to come to the U.S. to play?
"I wanted to go to college and play tennis at the same time. I heard from my friends there are a lot of scholarships for student athletes and that I could also get a degree from a school as good as Alabama. Before I came to the US I had to learn how to speak English."
When was the first time you came over to the U.S.?
"It was May 2015."
Are there universities in China? How do they compare to here?
"America and China are both really big countries, they both have really good universities, but in China they don't have associations like the NCAA, it's just school."
What's the biggest difference between playing over in China and playing here?
"Basically in China I was playing all for myself, but since I came here I've been playing for myself but also my team. I feel like there is more responsibility involved."
Had you ever heard of Alabama growing up in China?
"Never, I didn't even know about the football team when I was in China."
When did you start getting recruited by Alabama and why did you decide to come here?
"April 2016, I just felt like this was a good place to study and play tennis. They have a lot of good opportunities for student athletes, like academically, and the facilities, nutrition, everything is so professional. I want to keep playing tennis after I graduate that's why I feel like Alabama is the best place."
It's been a couple of weeks since you've been back, how's that been?
"It's been pretty busy actually, classes are starting to get tougher and tougher but it should be getting better soon."
Last year you came in January, and this year you came in August and you get to prepare better for the season. How is that different? Are you more comfortable?
"Yeah I feel more at home. I missed here this place a lot since I was in China and everything is going well."
What are your expectations for this year?
"I want to make it to the Sweet 16 and I hope I can play as an individual as well."
Players Mentioned
