Before Thomas Cook started his collegiate career, he was billed as a four star recruit and the number one ranked tennis player in Georgia.
While in high school, he accomplished several feats such as defeating the No. 2 and No. 3-ranked players in Louisiana and posting a record of 31-11 at the conclusion of his prep career.
An Atlanta native, he didn’t venture too far home as he continued his post-prep tennis career by committing to Georgia State.
With his prep career in the books, it brought forth new opportunities and new challenges by continuing on playing collegiately as Cook would be playing against more talented players from around the world, not just United States.
One new challenge was brought forth as soon he set foot on campus. He was the only American-born athlete on Georgia State’s men’s tennis team.
“Communication can be difficult sometimes but I think I’m getting used to the language barrier,” Cook said. “Learning firsthand about different cultures has been a huge plus.”
While the roster may consist of talented athletes from around the world, adjusting to playing and living in America could be a quite challenge for the foreign athletes.
Coach Barthel looked at Cook being American-born as a positive for the team.
“He’s a team leader,” Barthel said. “He’s from Atlanta. He’s always played in Atlanta. He leads the freshmen by example. He helps freshmen from the other parts of the world to adjust (to playing in America).”
Despite not sharing the same cultures, Cook still managed to bond with his teammates on and off the tennis court.
One thing they all bond over is video games, with the FIFA occer series being their game of choice.
“I’m a big FIFA soccer fan,” Cook said. “A lot of the guys on the tennis team play, but they’re not quite on my level.”
Cook’s favorite tennis player is Roger Federer and he even sees a little of himself in the Swiss tennis champion.
“Federer, in my opinion, is the most amazing player to watch,” Cook said. “He hits some of the most unbelievable shots and makes them look easy. I think I might play with his aggressive style, but it’s extremely tough to compare with the greatest in the world.”
Aside from playing tennis at Georgia State, Cook values his education and recently changed his major from exercise science to managerial science.
Cook, a junior, made the switch to prepare himself for a possibly like in the family-owned business currently ran by his father, but hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing tennis after his time at Georgia State is up.
“I would like to try the early stages of the ATP tour to see how I do and possibly teach tennis here and there later on in my life,” Cook said. “Definitely will continue in some way throughout my life.”
After his experiences at Georgia State, you can bet Cook will be suited for a life in business or tennis, and should feel comfortable anywhere in the world.
Bio Blast and Accomplishments
Cook enjoys playing almost all sports including basketball, soccer, ping pong, and swimming.
Cook’s career record at Georgia State is 37-17 win record with a .685 winning percentage.
Cook is 4th all-time in career wins at Georgia State and is seven wins behind Juan Pablo Gutierrez for third on the list.
Favorite athletes are Lance Armstrong and Roger Federer.
- All-CAA Second Team Singles (2012)
- All-CAA Second Team Doubles (2012)
- CAA Player of the Week (Mar. 7, 2012)
- All-CAA Second Team Singles (2011)
- All-CAA Third Team Doubles (2011)
- CAA Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 15, 2011)
Very good article.