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Growing up in South Africa, Greg Schweitzer was among the top 5 players in the country's junior national rankings. After spending one year playing at the University of Alabama, Schweitzer transfered to Rutgers University, and the rest is history.

Greg played #1 at Rutgers and was a consistent regionally ranked player - earning wins over top nationally-ranked players. After graduating, he earned a #75 World Doubles Team ranking on the ATP Tour.

Now Greg works for Citigroup. He recently took some time to discuss the significance of Rutgers and NCAA tennis in his well established career. He also gives helpful advice to aspiring junior tennis players.

Questions and Answers

Harry Cicma (HC): How did the Rutgers tennis experience help you thrive after college in the business world?

Greg Schweitzer (GS): Being on any dedicated college sports team hones a number of invaluable skills that are very applicable to the business world. Skills like time management and always striving to be the best - but also always putting the team first, building a competitive edge, and discipline. Right off the bat, participation in college sports says to an employer: "here's someone who succeeded in the classroom while also having the physical demands placed on a Division I athelete - with the practice and travel schedule involved."

Where Rutgers helped me specifically was placing an emphasis on academics - which helped me achieve the grades neccessary for a career on Wall Street. For example, studying in the van on the way back from a tough match is a lot easier when you have your coaches and teammates encouraging you to do so.

HC: While at Rutgers, you played in some of the most prestigious venues, such as the USTA National Tennis Center (US Open), what was it like to play there?

GS: Playing at the USTA center was a fantastic experience. It's very motivating to be exposed to a venue like that given the history involved. It also gave me insight into how fast the courts actually are - which you don't pick up from watching it.

HC: What was the highlight of your career on the ATP Tour Doubles Circuit?

GS: Getting into the main draws of the Newport and San Jose international series events were definitely up there. Looking back, coming within a point of going a break up to serve for the second set at Newport was the highlight.