Four years ago, the thought of college had not even passed JasonHazley’s mind. Now, as a senior at LSU, Hazley hasestablished himself as a leader on the LSU men’s tennissquad.
“It’s just a normal progression,” Hazley said.”I’ve learned from the older guys. And whenyou’re older, you try to help out the youngerguys.”
Hazley, from Brandenton, Fla., originally had plans on givingprofessional tennis a chance after high school. Ranked in the Top100 by the International Tennis Federation Junior World Rankings,Hazley managed to finish second at the Intersectional round of theJunior Davis Cup in 1998.
But following an injury, Hazley chose to attend LSU and hasthrived since his arrival.
Named the 2002 Louisiana Freshman of the Year, Hazley earned hisfirst varsity letter at LSU after posting a team-best 6-4 record inSoutheastern Conference play.
Now, in his senior year, Hazley has taken on a leadershiprole.
“If someone is lagging behind, you just try and encouragethem,” Hazley said. “You’re just as strong asyour weakest guy.”
According to head coach Jeff Brown, Hazley’s intensityproves beneficial to the team.
“He expects everyone to be as intense as he is,”Brown said. “He does a good job of leading more by example,but he also takes time to speak what he thinks.”
As a doubles player, Hazley is paired with sophomore DannyBryan.
According to Hazley, the two create a good chemistry on thecourt.
“We mesh together real well,” Hazley said. “Weboth work hard and have a good attitude.”
In the 2004 fall season, Hazley and Bryan have put together a6-1 record.
“Some of the best singles players in the world can’tplay doubles because they can’t mesh,” Hazley said.”You have to know what your partner is going todo.”
In singles, Hazley is tied for the team lead with freshman KevinDessauer with a record of 7-4.
With six singles matches going on at once, Brown said the teamneeds a player like Hazley to keep everyone upbeat.
“When you’re playing six singles, you’re notalways going to have somebody with an [intense] attitude,”Brown said. “It’s good in a match when you see someonedoubting themselves, they can hear Jason and it takes them up alevel.”
Hazley said he tries to be as upbeat as possible whether he ishaving a good or bad day.
“They way I look at it, I’m just trying to dowhat’s best for the team,” Hazley said. “Ifyou’re having a bad day, you still want to be vocal so youdon’t give off the wrong impression.”
With plans of being a professional tennis player in the nearfuture, Hazley’s resume certainly helps him out, including2003 First-Team All-SEC, 2003 Second Team All-Louisiana and 2003SEC Indoor Doubles Champion.
Now, Hazley will be entering his final spring season at LSU withspring play set to begin next January.
“I’m looking forward to the spring,” Hazleysaid. “It’ll be my last spring, so we’redefinitely looking to go out with a bang.”