There is an athlete on this campus who has quietly become a leader of his team. He simply continues to win and strives to receive great praise from his coaches. His drive and dedication are clearly shown through his work ethic and the high goals he sets for himself. Freshman tennis phenom Jeremy Sonkin believes he has what it takes and is proving just that.
Standing 6'4' and weighing 210 lbs., Sonkin could easily be mistaken for a member of the men's basketball team. A four-time All-American in high school, Sonkin's talent was clearly evident during the fall of his freshman year at Wisconsin. He showed he was up for the competition of the college game, leading the team in singles victories. He compiled a record of 8-7, and competed in the Big Ten singles championship.
\So far it's been an incredible experience,"" Sonkin said. ""It's a lot better than playing in the juniors in high school because you're always stuck playing the same exact players over and over again. It's good to get that variety. For those who take the game as seriously as I do, it's that variety that makes you a better player.""
Sonkin, who turned 18 last July, has started out the spring on the right foot, going 2-1 in singles and 2-2 in doubles with freshman partner Elliot Bisnow. His spring season was highlighted by his 7-6, 7-5 victory over DePaul senior Robert Kotoczo, which clinched the win for the Badgers.
""It was a big win for me,"" Sonkin said. ""Basically, coming in I've proven to myself that I have the ability to hang with anyone out there and maybe even beat them.""
Sonkin has not simply proven it to himself, but also to UW head coach Pat Klingelhoets. After the win against DePaul, Klingelhoets had nothing but praise for his freshman star.
""We felt that if there was anybody we wanted out there to clinch the match that Jeremy would probably be the guy,"" Klingelhoets said. ""He did a great job of gutting it out in the end and we are very proud of him. He is going to be awfully good for us.""
The commendation of Sonkin's abilities really hit home with the Wheaton Warrenville South marvel. Sonkin felt it brought him closer to his coaches and noticed a boost in his confidence.
""[Pat and I] have never really gotten on a personal level like that,"" Sonkin remarked. ""It's a good thing to know. I know that they trust me, and they want me out there. They're willing to put me in those situations and that's where I want to be. I want to be in that spot just to prove to everyone what I can do and what I can be.""
Looking ahead at the schedule, Sonkin's eyes are set on April 17 in Champaign-Urbana, Ill. Being an Illinois native, Sonkin puts a huge amount of emphasis on his date with the Illini.
""Those are the wins that are going to be key,"" Sonkin said. ""I love being the underdog, and I love going out and trying to surprise everyone and do what people don't think to be possible.""
While Sonkin believes a .500-plus record for his team would be a satisfactory objective, the personal goals Sonkin sets for himself are high. He wants to be recognized as Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and to make the NCAA Championships as an individual. While some might say Sonkin's goals are lofty, he believes they are attainable.
""I feel that if I keep playing like I am right now, and I win these matches, I think it's possible.""
The freshman credits his coaches and teammates for his success, but there is really only one person who can truly control his greatness, and that's Jeremy Sonkin.
""I think if I keep my same work ethic up and my intensity, and my focus, I'm going to be a tough opponent for even the best to beat coming down the stretch.\
