While there were a number of standout performers for Hopkins over the past week, Senior men’s tennis star Erik Lim has been selected as Athlete of the Week. Over the weekend, the Hopkins men’s tennis team shutout visiting McDaniel College by a 9-0 margin. The Blue Jays pushed their Centennial Conference winning streak to 83 victories with the win, closing out the regular season with a 15-7 record (9-0 Centennial). Lim picked up his 100th career victory alongside fellow senior Tanner Brown in the first doubles match. Lim was the second player this season to eclipse the 100 victory mark and just the 10th in Hopkins tennis history (his partner Brown had achieved the feat earlier in the season). Lim sat down with The News-Letter to discuss the significance of the milestone and reflect on his expectations for the remainder of the season.
The News-Letter: What has been your favorite part of Hopkins, either athletically, academically or socially?
Erik Lim: My favorite part of Hopkins was definitely my tennis team and my experiences as a student-athlete. I have met some of the smartest and coolest people in my life on my tennis team.
N-L: How have you grown as a player since your freshman year, and who is most responsible for your progress?
Lim: Since freshman year I have grown a lot as a player. Most of all, I have grown mentally. I am a lot more positive on court and feel like a mature athlete. My senior teammates (Noah, Ben, Tanner, Ed and Jensen) were the most responsible for my progress and success.
N-L: You picked up your 100th career victory this past Monday against McDaniel and are only one of 10 in program history to reach the milestone. What has made you so successful?
Lim: It is a great honor! I am very proud to be part of such an elite group. In addition to my coaches and teammates, my passion and my relentless will to win have made me successful.
N-L: The men’s tennis team has now won 83 consecutive matches in Centennial Conference play. What has been the key to your team’s success over the past few years?
Lim: We are so successful because of our depth. We have 16 players on our team and everyone is an incredible player. I can count on anyone on any given day to give their 100 percent effort; that means a lot.
N-L: You are once again having a special season. What goals and expectations do you have for this squad as you head into the conclusion of your final campaign as a Hopkins Athlete?
Lim: Our goal is an NCAA championship. We do not expect anything less of ourselves. Although we have had a rocky season, I believe that we can bring it when it counts. Hopkins has made us tough, and I am excited to see what May has in store for us. I would also like to thank my dad, mom and two sisters (Annie and Connie) for their support throughout these four years. It hasn’t been easy for me... I was a Southern California baby before I came to Baltimore!
Lin and the rest of his teammates host the Centennial Conference championship for the ninth straight season.
