Diego Vita/THE RIDER
Sam Whitehead, a 6-foot-3 graduate student from Launceston, Tasmania, Australia, was named the Southland Conference Athlete of the Week March 24 after defeating the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islanders. During the 2025 fall season, he went 3-9 in singles.
Q: How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
A: “It means a lot because it gives me a bit of recognition for all the hard work I’ve been putting in, so it feels good.”
Q: What has been the key to your performance lately?
A: “I think it’s been trying to stay consistent every day in practice, in the weight room, and with classes. Staying on top of everything has been the key.”
Q: What part of your game has felt the strongest, and why?
A: “I’d say my competitiveness. I think I’ve been competing really well, and that’s helped me play some good tennis.”
Q: What adjustments have you made that are paying off right now?
A: “I’ve just been trying to get as much sleep as possible, and I think that’s made me feel pretty good.
Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?
A: “Just to win everything we have left and hopefully win conference.”
Q: What is a fun fact that not many people know about you?
A: “I wish I was an Australian football player.”
–Compiled by Diego Vita
