Senior Athlete Spotlight: Rafael Morin

Rafael Morin’s parents introduced him to the sport of tennis at a young age by bringing him each year to the US Open. After first trying the sport at the age of four, Morin’s interest grew as he was fortunate enough to watch legends such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer live each year. Now as a senior, Morin is a four-year letterman on the Varsity Tennis team that has continued to grow under head coach Kevin Chow. Chow considers Morin as someone who exhibits true dedication and determination on and off the court and calls him a “responsible individual who approaches life with integrity and respect.”

In order to remain competitive at the varsity level, Morin participates in an intense training regimen that includes conditioning and skills clinics, private lessons, and team practice.  However, Morin notes that it is competitive matches that helps him learn and grow the most. “While conditioning, athleticism, and overall skill are important for strong performance, match experience is the most crucial factor at the varsity level.”

In a sport that is largely seen as individual, Morin tries hard to bring the Varsity Tennis team together. “While tennis is an individual sport, there is a sense of camaraderie among the team since it takes an entire team to make it far in playoffs and at states – not just one individual,” Morin explains. Morin tries to utilize time before matches, on the buses, and when he is not actively on the court to catch up with teammates and younger athletes. This is where he feels the team bonds the most. With these interactions extremely important to him, it is not surprising that his favorite memories of his years in the tennis program involve surrounding himself with his teammates, and most notably, fellow senior Sebastian Jaar.

 

In addition to his time on the varsity team and training off campus, Morin volunteers at
Friends of Miami as a volunteer tennis coach and manager where he is able to teach and coach tennis to underserved communities and younger student-athletes. However, tennis is not the only sport that Morin is involved in. Originally from New Jersey and an avid New Jersey Devils fan, Morin plays club ice hockey and also co-founded a high school roller hockey league. When not involved in athletics, Morin also plays the piano.

Morin, who claims picanha as his favorite food, Good Will Hunting as his favorite movie, and Pink Floyd as his favorite artist, is excited to begin studying Aerospace Engineering this fall. He currently lists the University of Miami, McGill University, and Queens University as his favorite schools. Be sure to come out and support Rafael and the rest of the Varsity Tennis team on Senior Day on Monday, March 17th at 3:30pm when the Falcons take on Divine Savior.

 

Go Falcons!