Cory Ross’ car battery was screwy and made him late for practice. Yet he sat down, ate his Subway sandwich and talked about himself for more than 10 minutes.
For someone who comes off as a relaxed person, Ross has had a somewhat rocky history.
After leaving high school in Littleton, Colo., Ross played one season at Baylor University, but Ross did not get along with his tennis coach and transferred to LSU following his freshman year.
“Any student athlete will tell you that your coach kind of determines how your life is,” Ross said. “Because it’s such a big part of your life, the sport that you play, your coach’s attitude and power can make your life hell, or it can make it great.”
Ross contacted LSU men’s tennis head coach Jeff Brown about playing for the Tigers and made his decision to transfer following his freshman year.
“I knew that there were better places where I would be happier,” Ross said. “It all ended up working out for the better.”
Ross’ transition to the LSU tennis lineup was anything but smooth.
“I felt pressure coming in here because there was a guy that had left, and I was kind of filling his shoes,” Ross said. “And there was some immediate pressure right away because the conference is pretty crazy.”
Head coach Brown said Ross’ dedication to hard work over the summer following his first season at LSU, augmented his intensity and confidence.
“He came in with a good attitude and was able to win a tournament in the fall,” Brown said. “He could have gone any direction after last year, and he could have been discouraged, but he took it as a challenge to improve.”
Once Ross settled down and found his niche in the lineup, his tennis game prospered. This season Ross is 11-3 in singles play, including 4-2 in Southeastern Conference action. His 11 victories include a nine-match winning streak earlier this season.
“My game is all about emotion, and it’s all about confidence,” Ross said. “I can get real high and win a bunch of matches in a row. This year I’m playing my best tennis because I’ve kept my confidence level up.”
Ross enjoys success in doubles play as well, earning a 9-1 record this season with doubles partner Sebastian Rutka. Rutka said it is Ross’ ability to be a team leader that helps him excel on the court.
“He’s a very good team player and a very good team captain,” Rutka said. “He cares about the whole team, and he can raise the level of intensity whenever people are down.”
Ross knows his teammates and coaches rely on his play this season. It is a challenge he now welcomes.
“This year it’s made me play better knowing that they’re really depending on me,” Ross said. “This year I know that every move I make, and every practice, and every match, I’m really determining how we do this year. And that’s a good challenge. I want to have people depending on me.”
Team captain lifts tennis
March 26, 2003