JED WEINSTEIN INTERVIEW: by senior captain, Jackson Isaacs

I had the pleasure of watching Jed play for Emory when I was coaching at Salisbury University. Jed, was a tenacious competitor and one of the best players that has ever played for Emory tennis. Jed, was also an amazing soccer player and one of the few two-sport athletes at Emory. Jed's accomplishments in tennis and soccer speak to his mental toughness and superior athletic ability.

Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to coach Jed, but in the past few years I have come to realize that he is also a great person. Jed, has been instrumental in helping me to re-connect with the former alums. Throughout this process, I have come to understand why he is so successful and a recent inductee to our Hall of Fame. Jed is passionate about Emory tennis and his drive to get us all connected has really been inspiring.

Jed also was instrumental in helping Jackson Isaacs land a job with Goldman Sachs. This single act should define what Emory tennis is all about,  and that is we are helping each other through life. Jackson now understands that he needs to pay it forward when he graduates from Emory.

Here's Jackson's interview with Jed:

1.     How has the Emory Tennis Network grown following your graduation?  I was in a situation where I had a relationship with both Coach Schroer and Coach Browning. I have been able to stay in touch with guys that were a few years older (Travis Saacke, Todd Getz, Jim Burns, etc) as well as some of the guys that were freshman when I was a senior, in particular Brett Kaplan and Jason McCarthy.  Both coaches have worked together and have done a great job of trying to keep everyone connected. I applaud both of their efforts as well as the Emory Athletic department in trying to keep everyone connected.

 2.      What is the most rewarding aspect of returning to Emory's campus for Emory Tennis Alumni functions?  I have enjoyed coming back to the campus and seeing more and more tennis championship trophies (both women and men) and know that both programs are extremely healthy and only getting better.

  

3.       How often do you miss the competitive nature of D3 Athletics?  I think that everyone that competed at Emory or in D3 athletics definitely misses the competition once they've graduated.  Playing sports and exercising post college is great, however playing at the collegiate level is something very special, especially at Emory.  Playing on a team, where there is one group goal is extremely satisfying.  

4.      I know you played both soccer and tennis here. Many people playing college tennis have little to no experiences playing on a team.  How did you translate important lessons of teamwork that you learned from soccer onto the Emory tennis team?  I enjoyed playing on a larger team (soccer) as well as a smaller team (tennis). Even though one would think tennis is an individual sport, I really felt that there was one goal in mind at all times - winning a National team championship.  We trained together, traveled and competed together and felt everyone was committed to playing a certain role to win together. I personally tried to lead by example and motivate my teammates at practice or during match play and show that I was there for them during tough on-court battles. 

5.      How is living in the large city of New York? Do you ever miss the South and the culture surrounding it?  New York City is definitely a fascinating place, however growing up on the beach in California, I never thought I would have lasted this long in the Big Apple.  The city is an extremely competitive place, maybe that is why I enjoy it so much. I will admit though, that one of the major downsides of NYC is the accessibility to tennis courts. I guess you don't realize how convenient and beautiful the courts were in Atlanta or California (where I grew up) and the ability to drive five minutes and play for a few hours compared to NYC.

6.      For incoming players, what is your biggest piece of motivation to achieve both academic and athletic excellence?  I'm a big believer that success comes from working hard, staying motivated/disciplined and enjoying the process.  It is easier said than done, but whatever you really put your mind to, you can achieve.  Emory offers individuals a great opportunity to succeed on the field/court as well as in the classroom but nothing comes easy so staying focused and goal orientated is the best advice.

 7.      Where do you see the Emory Tennis Network going in the next decade?  I personally would like to continue to stay active and connected to all of the ex-players and current players. I really enjoyed this past tennis reunion where I met a lot of new people and re-connected with old friends. I hope to be involved in organizing a yearly trip, either in Atlanta or somewhere else so the team can stay connected.  I want to be a resource to the current players in transitioning them into the work force with the mindset of paying it forward and helping out the kids younger than them.

8.      What is your best moment of Emory athletics and D3 competition?  There are so many memories that stand out, but I think the best moment was being asked to be part of the Emory Sports Hall of Fame.   I am truly grateful to be part of this elite group, however a little jealous I was never part of a National Championship team.