Newcomer Spotlight: Ryan Fu
1/8/2019 11:45:00 AM | Men's Tennis, Features
Over the weeks leading up to the 2018-19 dual-season, MGoBlue.com will introduce the University of Michigan men's tennis team's four-man freshman class and help fans get to know a little more about the individuals. The series continues with Andover, Massachusetts, native Ryan Fu.
Ryan Fu
Fu comes to Michigan after a successful youth and high school career in the New England region. Fu was named the Merrimack Valley Conference High School MVP in 2015 and helped lead Andover High School to a team championship that season. Fu was ranked the No. 1 player in New England in the 12s, 14s and 16 age divisions, and he was ranked in the top-50 nationally in the 18s age group heading into this season. Fu was a five-star recruit by tennisrecruiting.net.
Q: Why did you pick Michigan?
A: I chose Michigan because of the great academics and athletics. I was really impressed with the facilities and how much support there was for student-athletes. Also, when I visited I thought the team and coaches were really welcoming and made me want to come to the university.
Q: What has been your favorite thing about U-M so far?
A: My favorite thing so far has definitely been the tennis. I've enjoyed getting to know all my teammates and coaches these first few months. It is awesome how much the team looks out for one another and how quickly they accepted the freshman class. Also, getting to play so much and work hard feels good.
Q: How did you get started in tennis?
A: I got started playing tennis because my mom coaches tennis so I was always around it. My brother started playing when he was four and since they were both playing all the time I started to play too. It was really easy because I could just go play whenever I wanted with someone in my family.
Q: What are three words that best describe you?
A: Hardworking, kind and spontaneous.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of tennis?
A: When I'm not playing tennis I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I play basketball with my friends a lot in the summer, and also enjoy going to the beach and watching Netflix.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this season?
A: I am most excited for the dual matches. I can't wait to finally get to be a part of a college tennis match and understand what it's like and see how intense it gets. Team events were always my favorite in juniors so I'm really looking forward to it.
Q: What are your goals at Michigan?
My goals at Michigan are to become the best player I can be. I don't want to think that I left anything behind because I didn't work hard enough. I also want to do well academically and try to find a field that I enjoy studying
Q: Any superstitions on the court?
I never bring Gatorade on the court with me or else I think I am going to lose. I also always put my phone in the same place in my bag and if it's not there I have to move it.
Q: What's the best advice someone has given you?
The best advice I've ever been given was that success doesn't come overnight and if I want to do well in life I need to consistently work on things and not just think they will happen because I want them to.
Q: Who has had the greatest impact on your life?
My parents have definitely had the biggest impact on my life. They always have supported me no matter what and seen the best in me even when they shouldn't have. If it weren't for them I wouldn't be here today.
Past Newcomer Spotlights
• Steven Forman (1/4/19)
Michigan will kick off the dual-match portion of its schedule Saturday, Jan. 19, when it travels to Alabama. The Wolverines will return to Ann Arbor on Jan. 26-27, when they host the ITA Kick-Off at the Varsity Tennis Center. U-M will host 12 regular-season matches at the VTC this season, and also will host the Big Ten Tournament, April 25-28. Admission is free to all regular-season matches.
Players Mentioned
