Summer Send-off: Thomas Harrison

This week, Brookwood Athletics is highlighting our athletes from the Class of 2018 transitioning to their time in college. Today's is Thomas Harrison, who will be going to Sewanee: The University of the South in Monteagle, TN to study and be a member of the Tigers tennis team. To read Thomas's Q&A, click here!
Sewanee: The University of the South is a member of NCAA Division III and known as one of the premier academic institutions in the country. The Tigers athletics programs compete in the Southern Athletic Association. Thomas was a key member of the unprecedented success for Warrior Tennis this Spring. He teamed up with Bradley Merschman to win the GISA AAA Doubles State Championship.

Describe a little of your recruitment process and how you chose Sewanee? What were you looking for in a college experience?

Thomas Harrison: I was trying to get on coach's radars the end of my junior year and started sending out some emails to get their attention, let them know about my academics, rankings, etc.  During the summer I made a recruiting video that I put up on youtube and then shared that link with the coaches who had responded to my previous forms of contact. Once the school year began I had narrowed down my college options to two state schools and two smaller schools that I liked and could play tennis at.  From there I took a visit to Sewanee and met the coach in person who offered me a spot on the team right there. Two weeks later I had decided that Sewanee was a place with a wonderful environment, great academics, and a tough tennis team.

What are you looking forward to most about your Freshman year of college?

TH: This first year of college I'm looking forward to finding my place, learning about what interests me, and pushing myself to my athletic and academic limits.

How have you spent your summer as you transition from Brookwood to your next stop in collegiate athletics?

TH: This summer I've done my fair share of relaxing to get a break from the stress of school, but I have also spent a lot of late nights hitting on the ball machine to get myself conditioned and striking the ball well at a level good enough to compete with some of my older teammates. I have also played several tournaments around Georgia and South Florida to get some high-level match experience.

What differences at the collegiate level in your sport are you anticipating or preparing for?

TH: In the past, my own training and match schedules had been left up to me to decide for myself. So I'd say the biggest change is going to be more frequent workouts and longer time spent on court.  The upside is that now I will have a group of guys who are at a higher level than I am to help push me to raise my own level which I am definitely looking forward to.

What's a lesson or skill you've learned playing at Brookwood that will help you at the next level?

TH: I would definitely say that my role as captain of the Brookwood tennis team has helped me understand what it's like to be a leader among my peers.  Seeing how to set a tone and intensity for practice as a team is something that I think will help me at the next level.

Any advice for younger Warriors at Brookwood aspiring to play at the collegiate level?

TH: My advice to younger warriors looking to play at the collegiate level would be to pursue the sport you are most passionate about and to not be afraid to ask for help and surround yourself with people who will push you to be better.

Good luck at Sewanee, Thomas! Keep up with Thomas and Sewanee Tennis by checking in at http://sewaneetigers.com/
 
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Brookwood School

Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.