Where Are They Now?
Catching Up with Sukhwa Young
by
Harry Cicma, 29 November 2010
NBC Sports, managed by
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A decade ago, the name Sukhwa Young was well-known to junior tennis aficionados. Born in Alaska, he moved to Florida at age 11 and won a number of USTA Supernationals, achieving a #1 USTA ranking in the 12s, 14s, and 16s age divisions.
Young had some success at Georgia Tech and on the ATP circuit before a shoulder injury ended his career.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently had the chance to talk tennis with Young. Here are highlights from their conversation.
Former Georgia Tech standout Sukhwa Young
courtesy, Georgia Tech Athletics
Questions and Answers Harry Cicma (HC): What was the experience like for you, playing for a top ACC program in your home state?
Sukhwa Young (SY): I actually played for Georgia Tech, and my home state is Florida. However, it is still close.
Playing in college gave tennis a complete different outlook for me. As you know, tennis is an individual sport, and when it is turned into a team effort it is a huge change.
HC: I remember you used to train at Saddlebrook Academy in Tampa, What other factors led to your great success in the juniors and at the top National NCAA level?
SY: To be successful in anything, you need to have a strong will, mindset, and discipline. You to be passionate about what you are doing - and above all enjoy what you are doing and dream big. Anything is possible if you work hard.
HC: What's your best memory from competing on the Pro ATP level?
SY: I remember when I was 16 years old getting my first ATP point played in a Futures against an NCAA Champion from Stanford... When I was serving for match point I could barely move my arms or legs, it was an amazing experience to compete at that level.
HC: What advice would you give a player looking to reach the top national level in college and juniors?
SY: The biggest advice is simple. There are three types of mindsets - junior, transitional, and professional. Regardless of your level, the mindset is what is important. Even if you are number 1 in the world for the 14s you have to ask yourself: "If I played like that against Federer or Nadal, what would they do to me?"
The old saying if you want to be a millionaire act like a millionaire applies to tennis. Never be satisfied with what you did - and strive to get better. Always have a higher goal in mind.
HC: What was the best part of being a Division 1 college athlete?
SY: Just the whole team atmosphere. Playing for something bigger than yourself really generates that much more emotion - you are not out there just winning or losing for yourself. It's also a great opportunity to compete with some of the best athletes in the country and in the world.
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About Harry Cicma
When it comes to college tennis, Harry Cicma is your man. Cicma
covers tennis and other athletic stories for
NBC Sports,
writing articles and producing video segments.
He is co-founder and host of World Tennis
a weekly tennis show on NESN, and host of of Tennis Live Radio's
College Corner.
Cicma competed as a junior in USTA/New England and went on to play
college tennis at Rutgers University. As a professional, Cicma
competed at the ATP Newport tournament and the San Jose Siebel Open.
He reached a career-high #75 in the ATP doubles team rankings and
#1262 in the ATP Entry System.
In media, Cicma has run the gamut. He has worked for NBC, CBS, ABC,
ESPN, FOX Sports Net, the Tennis Channel, and World Team Tennis.
Cicma has announced NCAA sports as well as the US Open Tennis
Championships on both TV and radio.
