In his second season, Suffolk stand-out excelling on and off the tennis court

Article by: Matt West

Ever since he was five or six years old, Christopher Staley has found himself equipped with a tennis racket and an unquenchable desire to win.

Born in London, England, he moved to Switzerland at a young age, spending his formative years learning to play the game of tennis on the same soil that produced tennis legend Roger Federer.

Now a sophomore at Suffolk, the Global Business/Entrepreneurship major has found a healthy balance between his commitment to the tennis team and his academic work.

Although he had the option of going to school down south, he chose Boston because of its academic reputation and proximity to family members in the area.

Staley has found that playing tennis and going to school in the States has kept him motivated to excel in every aspect of his busy life.

“To be completely honest, I have kind of gotten used to it,” he explained. “Being away from home is not really a problem.”

It seems it has made him a better player. Having been named GNAC Rookie of the Year and winning the GNAC Tournament MVP award last season, he is not short on individual accolades.

When talking about the success he has had so far at Suffolk, he is quick to give his teammates and coaches ample credit.

“I am motivated by the team,” he said. “You’re playing for the university, but they [the team] make you want to win.”

Speaking highly of the coaching staff, Staley said the leaders at Suffolk are the best around, and have helped him grow as a player.

“The coaching here has been superb. [Assistant head coach] Isaac Stahl has done a fantastic job in terms of motivation, bringing people together and respecting each other,” he explained. “We are playing a team sport, not an individual sport, and I give credit to the coaching and motivation from the rest of the team.”

The success he has had so far has helped the tennis program become one of the best in the school. This current roster is chock full of confidence and swagger, in part stemming from their stellar sophomore.

This season, he has picked up right where he left off last year, going undefeated so far in both doubles and singles matches.

“Honestly, I did play very well last year,” he remarked. “ I think it was also a lot of adrenaline, playing on the first team. [This year] I do have some individual goals, a lot of it being mental; trying to keep the best record I can and not giving away any points on the court.”

Others involved with the team have to be happy with what he has brought to an already impressive group.

“Christopher Staley has been a true asset to the team,” explained coach Stahl. “Over the past couple of weeks, he has been playing incredible tennis and shown an unbelievable toughness. He has been fighting through a shoulder injury and has approached each match with an intensity that is contagious.”

With an NCAA berth the goal of each player on the team, perfection is almost a necessity. With Staley on board, there is no goal too lofty or unreasonable.

“He is only a sophomore, but leads the team on and off the court by setting an example of team commitment and dedication,” Stahl added. “He plays hard every match and shows up to practice ready to challenge himself and those around him. You couldn’t ask for a better guy. I know his kind of success extends beyond the court and he has a bright future ahead of him.”