University of Georgia Athletics
Q&A: Catching Up With Freshman Nathan Pasha
July 05, 2011 | Men's Tennis
July 5, 2011
ATHENS, Ga. --- Having been on campus just a month, incoming freshman Nathan Pasha is still new to the Georgia men’s tennis scene. Today, Georgiadogs.com caught up with the newest member of the Bulldogs as he adjusts to campus life in Athens and gets ready for his first season as a college tennis player.
Why did you decide to attend the University of Georgia?
I always sort of knew I would come to UGA. I guess you don’t know for sure, but it was always in the back of my mind. I looked at a couple other schools but I never considered them as seriously as I did Georgia. It’s close to home (Atlanta) and I wanted to stay near my family.
Did you always want to play college tennis?
I was pretty sure I did. I think it’s fair to say when you’re 14, 15, 16 people think they’ll go pro right off the bat. Then you get to be 17 and 18 and you realize you need to go to college to get better. I knew I had to go to college before I tried anything else.
How did you get started playing?
I got my start at the Boys & Girls Club. I was in the gym and they just started a tennis program, and asked us who wanted to play tennis and I raised my hand. I started playing at the Boys & Girls Club every Friday. The coach there went to my mom after a while and told her I was talented. Then we started playing more recreationally at a park, then I got into playing team tennis and playing tournaments.
How has the UGA experience been so far?
It’s good – it’s been everything I expected. I committed here almost a year before I got here, so I had a chance to visit and I think I pretty much knew what to expect in terms of tennis and fitness. School has been tougher because I was mostly home-schooled, and for high school I did an online program. It’s a bit of an adjustment being in class. I’m still getting used to taking notes in big auditorium classes. It’s fine, though. It was good to come in the summer because I already feel more adjusted before the fall gets here.
What do you want to bring to the program?
I just want to be another hard-working guy. I’m only a freshman but I am ready to work hard and push the rest of the team to work hard. I see the guys on the team already and how hard they work. It motivates me.
What is your most memorable on-court moment?
Playing doubles with [current Florida player] Sekou Bangoura, Jr., in Kalamazoo. We were up 5-3 and I served out the match to earn a wildcard into the US Open.
What are two words that best describe you on the court?
Focused and competitive.
Off the court?
Oblivious and goofy.
What is your favorite sport to watch?
Football. I know I’ll get excited about Georgia Football as I go along here. I’m used to the pros being a Falcons fan and a fan of all Atlanta sports teams. Now that I’m here I know I’ll get into Georgia, too.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I have a twin sister. She’s at Atlanta Metro Tech now studying, and she wants to transfer to Georgia State. She teaches swimming lessons and is a lifeguard.
What are you most excited about looking ahead to your freshman year?
I’m just excited about being here in general. I’m absorbing everything because it’s such a different atmosphere. I was in a very locked-up atmosphere before I got here, between USTA and everything, and I feel like in college you’re more free. It’s exciting.
Have you met Coach Magill yet?
I was coached by [former Georgia All-America] Mike Sell and he’s told me stories about Coach Magill and Manny. I haven’t met him yet but I’m sure I will soon.
What do you know about the history of the Georgia program?
During the recruiting process I learned a lot about it. You can see it and feel it when you’re here and when you look around. I’m excited to be a part of it.
Nathan Pasha is a five-star prospect from Atlanta. At the time of his signing, he was rated the top recruit in the state and No. 2 in the Southeast, and No. 5 in the nation according to TennisRecruiting.net. He competed in the main draw of the 2010 US Open and was doubles champion at the 2010 USTA Boys’ 18s National Hard Court Championships.
