Where Are They Now: Adam H. Schwartz
Long Island has seen some phenomenal high level juniors enjoying success on court, but what happens to them after high school? It can’t be all rackets and tournaments for them, can it? Do they go on and play tennis in college? Where do they work after college? These were just a few questions going through my mind, but most of all I wanted to know how success in tennis translates to success off the court and in the job market.
I was recently able to sit down with Adam H. Schwartz. To say that Adam was a high level junior is a bit of an understatement. Adam played varsity tennis since the 8th grade, played first singles for Wheatley School, and went on to play for the University of Pennsylvania, a Division I school. In 2006, he maintained a perfect singles record in his Conference, winning the Nassau County singles title, and going on to win the New York State Boys Championship title, the latter of which is the fondest memory of his tennis career. Adam was in the Top 10 in Boys 16s and Boys 18s nationally. Now 25-years-old, Adam works in Manhattan for Cooper-Horowitz, a prestigious real estate capital markets firm. We enjoyed some great Cuban food while talking about his successes as a junior, what he learned from tennis, and how he used that to benefit him after college. What follows are some of the lessons I came away with.
Knowing how to play tennis opens doors
Being able to advance in a professional environment often means finding common interests with co-workers and bosses alike, and tennis can be that common interest. Adam told me how that, at a job interview, tennis was actually a topic that came up. Having played gave him the ability to talk easily and comfortably. Since then, he has played tennis at the courts in Grand Central Station with co-workers and clients. Without knowing how to play tennis, some of those doors would not be open nor could he have walked through them so comfortably.
Companies like hiring college athletes
This seems like pretty common sense, but Adam was able to break it down for me in greater detail. Sports, in general, teaches certain lessons to juniors. It teaches them discipline, focus and goal-setting, but tennis takes it to another level. Tennis sees the athlete on court alone. They are in control of their destiny and must figure out a way to win. When they get in trouble, they have to figure a way out of it. When they are winning, they have to figure out how to prevent their opponent from coming back. Problem solving, while alone, is a valuable skill that high level juniors all share. Playing in college is even more attractive since the team element is stressed. The athlete must know how to problem solve alone and work with a group of other individuals. Being a college tennis player lets employers know that, if hired, you have a skill set that will allow you to hit the ground running.
Adam mentions that a healthy competitive attitude translates to success off the court as well. Champions, in their heart, always want to win and love competition. It’s no different when transitioning to a work environment. That attitude brings success the same way it did in high school and college. Winning is addicting, and once you’ve had a taste, it’s hard to quit.
What do you need to be a competitive junior?
Here’s Adam’s recommendations: Train against the best players you can find, get a great coach, learn strategy, learn to lose, and don’t be afraid to volley. Adam mentioned his old coach, Adrian Chirici, several times. Adrian stressed the importance of mental toughness. It wasn’t enough to be able to hit well. When you’re competing, everyone will be able to hit as well as you; being able to problem solve and use strategy is what makes the difference. Not beating yourself goes a very long way. It’s important also to be serious about it. How can a parent help their child be serious about tennis—let them play other sports. Adam played three sports (soccer, tennis, basketball) growing up. He had far more dedication to tennis because he had chosen it over the other two sports. It wasn’t until he turned 12 that he decided to make tennis his primary sport. Something that echoed with me was the fact that he volleyed as a junior. He says that being able to get to the net and volley the ball away gave him an edge that other players did not have. Although it might be a little tougher in today’s game, having that extra tool you can pull out still serves a purpose.
Where is Adam Schwartz?
Adam is a successful professional who still likes to get out on the court. Tennis has opened doors for him in his life and hopefully this article will help you or your child open a few as well. If you find yourself hitting a few balls over at Grand Central Station or Randall’s Island, make sure to look for his wicked kick serve and his nasty drop shots.
