June 8, 2007

TheACC.com introduces you to the league's
athletes, coaches and administrators each week.

Somdev Devvarman
Virginia
Year: Junior
Men's Tennis
Hometown: Chennai, India
Major: Sociology
Favorite flavor ice cream: I'm kind of boring, I'm going to go with vanilla.

Last year, Somdev Devvarman lost in the finals of the NCAA Singles Championship. This year, he became the first men's tennis player in ACC history to win an NCAA Men's Singles Championship by defeating Georgia's John Isner, who was ranked No. 1. The junior broke the Virginia school record with 44 singles wins on the season.

The Chennai, India native's team won the ACC Men's Tennis Championship this year and advanced to the national semifinals for the first time in school history.

How did you get started playing tennis?
I first picked up a racket when I was nine. There was a tennis court in our neighborhood and I just went and hit balls there. I found it interesting, so I stuck with it.

What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as an athlete?
I would say winning two ACC Championships has been great. What I did a couple days ago (winning national men's singles title), I would put that up there too.

What do you still hope to accomplish in the future?
Hopefully to become a better all-around player and most importantly, I would like my team to win a national championship. To do the best we can, because I know we have the ability and the talent right now, so that's our next goal.

Who was your most influential role model?
My dad for sure. He influences me in the way he is. He showed me how a good work ethic is always good for you. He didn't play tennis, but he played a lot of other sports.

What was the best advice you ever received from a coach?
I think some people keep saying enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey; just have fun when you're out there. I think that's the most important thing, to have fun, because if you aren't having fun, it's not worth it. The most important thing is to try hard and have fun.

What's your most memorable moment in sports?
I would say winning the ACC Championship this year was very special.

What was it like for you winning the singles National Championship?
It was definitely a good moment. At that time I was just relieved. It was just a good feeling, especially once I came off the court; I have worked pretty hard for it. Treat (Huey), my double partner, was there supporting me the whole time and my three coaches, so that was pretty cool.

What is it like playing everyday in a conference that is so competitive?
I think it's great. It's definitely the best conference in the country. I think we have the most top 20 teams. Every player from 1 through 7 is great. I think its good to be this competitive, otherwise, winning wouldn't be as much fun. You have to come out to win every single day, you have to be focused every time I step foot onto the court.

Why did you choose Virginia?
When I came on my recruiting visit I was looking for academics mixed with everything. I felt that Virginia had the perfect mix of everything. It is a great school obviously, it has great tennis program, a great athletic program, and a good social life. I feel like the mix is just perfect for me.