Senior Spotlight: Jackson Hawk and Abhishek Bastola
4/30/2020 5:06:00 PM | Men's Tennis
Twice weekly we will highlight spring sport senior athletes on their careers at Saint Mary's.
Jumping back to the tennis courts, we chatted with two more of the five men's tennis seniors -- Jackson Hawk and Abhishek Bastola. Hawk has spent all four years in Moraga while Bastola was a junior transfer coming from UT Arlington.
The men's team was off to a 7-4 start this season, their best record in recent memory, and was riding a five-match win streak when college athletics came to a screeching halt. "Since we were having such a good season, it was hard for the whole team to deal with the season being over," recalled Bastola. "We all tried to be positive when we heard the news and all thought of the great seasons that we have had together."
"Our team was really special this year," Hawk added. "I think the most important aspect was setting a culture where nobody's ego was on the line because we were all in it together. Obviously, the guys who had been here from last year all knew what we were capable of and were up to the challenge but for me, I loved how the new guys this year came in and worked hard and immersed themselves as parts of the team environment we have on and off the court. I could go on and on about each guy on the team this year."
When asked about a favorite memory during their time at Saint Mary's, both seniors brought up a moment from this season.
"One of my favorite moments that stood out to me this year was when our whole team went to Hawaii," said Bastola. "That was such a fun memory and we all got to spend quality time together."
"There are too many to put down on paper," said Hawk. "Team wise, our trip to Hawaii was incredible. Being in a new place with my best friends while playing the sport I love is part of why we all joined the Saint Mary's tennis team. For me personally, getting a dual match singles win this semester meant a lot to me."
Hawk, like many student-athletes at SMC, talked about how the community and relationships formed at the school were a big reason his time spent in Moraga was so enjoyable. "My greatest accomplishments over the past four years are the friendships I've made. Being one of only two Americans on the team allowed me to learn so much about other cultures and in return, better understand myself."
Bastola commented on his similar experience and how those relationships impacted his decision to transfer to Saint Mary's. "One main factor that stood out to me was the constant support and help that friends, family, coaches, and professors gave me while I was here. Especially transferring from a different school where I did not feel as supported, Saint Mary's has given me life lessons for the future. At SMC, I learned a lot of things and met people that will always be in my life, both academically and athletically."
Going forward, both athletes plan to make sports a part of their future careers. "My dream job is to be an agent or manager for professional athletes," said Hawk. "Saint Mary's has helped me develop skills that can get me there but there's still a lot of work to do. No matter where I end up I know I'll always be looking for a way to participate in any sport I can get involved in."
"As I graduate this year, I plan on getting a visa and training in either Sacramento, Texas or Florida," told Bastola. "I want to play professional tennis. Five years from now, I plan to have tennis still in my life and be playing on the ATP Tour. Sports have always played a huge role in my life and I want it to continue to be a focus for me."
Jumping back to the tennis courts, we chatted with two more of the five men's tennis seniors -- Jackson Hawk and Abhishek Bastola. Hawk has spent all four years in Moraga while Bastola was a junior transfer coming from UT Arlington.
The men's team was off to a 7-4 start this season, their best record in recent memory, and was riding a five-match win streak when college athletics came to a screeching halt. "Since we were having such a good season, it was hard for the whole team to deal with the season being over," recalled Bastola. "We all tried to be positive when we heard the news and all thought of the great seasons that we have had together."
"Our team was really special this year," Hawk added. "I think the most important aspect was setting a culture where nobody's ego was on the line because we were all in it together. Obviously, the guys who had been here from last year all knew what we were capable of and were up to the challenge but for me, I loved how the new guys this year came in and worked hard and immersed themselves as parts of the team environment we have on and off the court. I could go on and on about each guy on the team this year."
When asked about a favorite memory during their time at Saint Mary's, both seniors brought up a moment from this season.
"One of my favorite moments that stood out to me this year was when our whole team went to Hawaii," said Bastola. "That was such a fun memory and we all got to spend quality time together."
"There are too many to put down on paper," said Hawk. "Team wise, our trip to Hawaii was incredible. Being in a new place with my best friends while playing the sport I love is part of why we all joined the Saint Mary's tennis team. For me personally, getting a dual match singles win this semester meant a lot to me."
Hawk, like many student-athletes at SMC, talked about how the community and relationships formed at the school were a big reason his time spent in Moraga was so enjoyable. "My greatest accomplishments over the past four years are the friendships I've made. Being one of only two Americans on the team allowed me to learn so much about other cultures and in return, better understand myself."
Bastola commented on his similar experience and how those relationships impacted his decision to transfer to Saint Mary's. "One main factor that stood out to me was the constant support and help that friends, family, coaches, and professors gave me while I was here. Especially transferring from a different school where I did not feel as supported, Saint Mary's has given me life lessons for the future. At SMC, I learned a lot of things and met people that will always be in my life, both academically and athletically."
Going forward, both athletes plan to make sports a part of their future careers. "My dream job is to be an agent or manager for professional athletes," said Hawk. "Saint Mary's has helped me develop skills that can get me there but there's still a lot of work to do. No matter where I end up I know I'll always be looking for a way to participate in any sport I can get involved in."
"As I graduate this year, I plan on getting a visa and training in either Sacramento, Texas or Florida," told Bastola. "I want to play professional tennis. Five years from now, I plan to have tennis still in my life and be playing on the ATP Tour. Sports have always played a huge role in my life and I want it to continue to be a focus for me."
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
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