Tennis is often viewed as a confusing sport, but here at Penn State Abington it is one of our most competitive. Penn State Abington looks to strike gold this year and go farther than before. The coaching is stellar, the program is rigorous, but nothing compares to the drive that the student athletes display.
 
I had the pleasure of meeting one student named Mohammed Ammouni. Mohammed, affectionately called "Mo", is a junior studying IST (Information Sciences and Technology). Mo is probably one of the most well spoken young men, with a drive for not only tennis, but also his passion; IST. Hoping to work in the fields of network administration, cyber security, or programing. Mo has already taken an interest in internships, completing one thus far. Mohammed affectionately talks about the students, and the professors.  He says Penn State Abington is fun because you can learn so much. The professors seem to be "very accurate in their information and preparing us for group and individual projects. He is excited for the group-work because although some may hate it, Mohammed can relate it to tennis. He says that even though it can be a struggle, as long as you have good chemistry you can find the right mix that allows you to get the job done.
 
Now I know nothing about tennis. However, what I learned in my brief conversation with Mohammed is that it's not just hitting a ball back and forth; it's chemistry, a chemistry Mohammed had no idea was missing from his life. Mohammed originally lived in Florida and he picked tennis up from his brother, who played for the US Senate team. At age 11, just one year after Mohammed had even picked up a racket, he started in tournaments. Moving to the north he continued to play. He played in high school and started immediately on Penn State Abington's team.
 
I asked Mohammed about what it really meant to play as a team unit, even though doubles occur. The outspoken young man pointed out to me that no matter what happens on the court, everyone is a team. During singles you are not only playing for yourself, but to add the total points for your team, and likewise in doubles. The decorated tennis player reminded me that everything is for the team. A trueborn leader, Mohammed looks out for the best interest of his teammates, and acknowledges that pressure is on the tennis team. He did what any pro would do; he blocked the pressure out. Getting in the zone during the match is all about being relaxed, being calm, and before getting on the court making sure that I'm with his team.
 
I mentioned that Mohammed is a decorated tennis player, but this isn't anything that Mohammed brags about. I sat down with him for over fifteen minutes, getting to ask him questions and at the end of our interview I asked if there was anything else he wanted me to know. This would be the opportunity most would express their awards, achievements, anything of the nature; but Mohammed said nothing. It wasn't until after I learned that Mohammed might be the best tennis player Penn State Abington has seen. I was able to find the list of accomplishments that Mohammed achieved; NEAC Player of the Year, NEAC Rookie of the Year, First Team All-Conference (#1 singles), First Team All-Conference (#1 Doubles), compiled a 7-4 overall record in singles play, complied a 9-3 overall record in doubles play, and went 7-2 paired with James Howell. So, the bottom line is this young man is not a joke. He has the awards to prove it, but they don't seem to faze him. Mohammed goes out to play tennis for the love of his teammates, the sport, and at the end of the day that is all it truly is about. I wish you well on this season Mohammed, although I'm sure you will do just fine.