James Hopper is a first-year student on the men’s tennis team at Case Western Reserve University. As a student, he hopes to major in a STEM-related field. Hopper was born in the United Kingdom and moved to the U.S. at a young age. Recently, Hopper was ranked No. 1 in all of the collegiate third division. In his time at CWRU, he has accumulated numerous awards for his team.

How was your transition into college while playing a sport?

My transition to college was very smooth while being on a team, as coming in, I already had a strong connection with a group of people that were there for any questions or advice that I needed transitioning in. 

What is the hardest part about being on the tennis team?

Balancing my time between studying and practice, as being on the team is a big-time commitment. 

What is your favorite memory on the tennis team?

Winning a national championship. 

What made you decide to major in engineering or STEM?

The two main fields that I always had an interest in were the medical and engineering fields. 

What is a piece of advice that you live by?

Give 100 percent of your effort to everything you do. 

What clubs or organizations are you a part of besides tennis?

Nothing.

How has the tennis team changed you as a person?

The tennis team has changed me, as I began to make many personal sacrifices in my life that have benefitted the team as a whole.