Date Brings Davis Cup Experiences to SU

Sophomore Michael Date is more than your average tennis player, he is an international competitor.
Date recently represented his home country of Barbados in the Davis Cup, the largest international competition in team sports.
This was not Date’s first time appearing in the competition. He has represented Barbados three times before. 
“This was my best one. I went 5-0, 4-0 in doubles and 1-0 in singles. 
As a member of the Southern University tennis team, Date and his teammates were able to win the Southwestern Athletic Conference and earn an automatic bid to the NCAA regional playoffs. 
The opportunity to play tennis is what drew Date to Southern in the first place.
“I was looking for a scholarship for tennis. Jeff (Conyers, SU tennis head coach) offered the best scholarship. He made want to come here. He made me feel welcome.”
Feeling welcome probably eased Date’s transition from a very solid home life to college life.
Date’s parents Jeremy and Jean make it a point to express their feelings on his accomplishments.
“They are proud of me. They tell me they are proud of me all the time,” said Date.
Date, who has been playing tennis since the age of six, says it all started at home.
“I used to play against my brother (Justin) all the time. It’s a family affair,” said Date.
As for his future with tennis, the 20 year-old business management major has no plans to join the professional ranks.
“To turn pro is very difficult. I am just being real it is hard. I just want to finish college successfully,” said Date.
On a campus filled with diversity and a team made primarily of international students, Date describes his experience at Southern with one word, “Cool”.