Future Friday: Q&A with Jason Jung
1/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Jan. 29, 2016
Jason Jung
After representing the block M with pride while they competed for the Maize and Blue, our student-athlete alumni have gone off to become professionals in different areas of their lives. Whether they continued on in their sport, helped to build up a company or started a family, they are building a future. They are building our future. As they leave the University of Michigan campus they go forth with all they learned here to create a better future for us all.
Jason Jung (2008-11) was a two-time All-Big Ten performer and made back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Singles and Doubles Championships (2010-11). Jung was honored with the both the National and Midwest Region 2010 ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship, along with the 2011 ITA/Rafael Osuna Sportsmanship Award (Region IV) for his exemplary sportsmanship. He won the 2007 Big Ten singles title and graduated tied for fourth in career doubles wins (89). Jung was also a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree as he earned a degree in political science.
He is currently playing tennis professionally and is ranked No. 221. His highest ranking came last February when he reached No. 194 in the world. Jung writes a blog that details his adventures and successes as a professional tennis player.
Q. What have you been doing since your graduation from Michigan?
A. I've been on the professional tennis circuit. But before playing professional tennis, post-graduation was a bit of rough period. I worked as tennis instructor at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island. I then took a business analyst job back home in Los Angeles, only to get laid off at the end of summer. I was a bit lost after that so I decided to take LSAT and apply for law school. But decided law school wasn't for me. That's when my professional tennis career started.
Q. You are active on social media/blog with your professional tennis experiences. How did that begin?
A. Yeah! Initially I started writing in my blog more for my friends and family to update them on my travels and experiences.
Q. How much longer do you plan on/want to play tennis?
A. As long as my ranking continues to go up and I continue to improve I want to keep playing until my body tells me no. It's been a great journey so far and I want to keep it going.
Q. How did your experience at Michigan prepare you for what you are doing now?
A. Michigan has definitely helped me learn to manage my time wisely. During my time at Michigan, it was really tough having to juggle tennis and school. You are constantly working out and studying. Being on the professional tour requires you to manage your time wisely. And for that, I have to thank Michigan for preparing me for that.
Q. What does life after tennis look like for you?
A. I'm not exactly sure yet as professional tennis seems like it will be going for a while. But I have thought about it and I may get into tennis coaching or get into the business side of the fitness industry.
Q. Where has been your favorite place you have gone/visited because of tennis?
A. I would have to say summer in Vancouver. Probably the most beautiful place I've ever visited.
Q. What was your favorite memory playing tennis at Michigan?
A. I miss doubles at dual matches. Having hundreds of people cheering for you and getting so fired up is just something I will never forget!
Q. How did you choose Michigan?
A. It was a combination of strong athletics and academics. Also I really wanted to leave California and go somewhere different for school.
Q. What advice would you give to current student-athletes at Michigan?
A. Keep up the grind. School, practice, competition, school and practice again. It will help you with life after Michigan, your ability to work hard and stay disciplined is huge in life after college.
The 2015-16 academic year marks the 150th anniversary of Michigan Athletics. We invite the University of Michigan family to celebrate the passion that fuels us, rediscover the stories and traditions that unite us, and imagine what the future holds for us. We look forward to celebrating "This Michigan of Ours." To share a memory of Michigan Athletics, please fill out our online form or email goblue150@umich.edu.
