Page 52 - fall2017

TRENT BOTHA

Sport: Tennis | Year: Senior | Major: Business management
On moving from Cape Town, South Africa, to the U.S.?
It was a big change, leaving my family at a young age. It opened my eyes
to new ideas and took me out of my comfort zone. It’s a faster pace, a lot
more “in your face.” Tucson — I love the mix of cultures. I am familiar with
that, being from South Africa where people speak four languages.
How long have you been playing tennis?
Since I started walking. My dad played on a pro tour; my brother played at
Alabama; my sister plays. I started competitive play at 6 or 7. Wherever life
takes me, I’ll have a tennis racket in hand.
On applying lessons from tennis to life?
Tennis taught me about who I am and what I stand for; how I react
to things. Playing here has developed me in presenting myself and
representing my team. Learning how to lose … come Monday morning, you
have to find positives.
Why the University of Arizona?
I came on a recruiting trip, and straight away there was a homey feel from
the coaches and players. You don’t come by that often. It’s a great thing
to be representing a school like Arizona and to be playing in the Pac-12
conference.
How about after graduation?
I will extend my stay. America is a great country, and it’s been an honor to
go to college here.
Career aspirations?
I’m looking into commercial real estate and interested in human resources.
One of my strengths is working with people, being sociable. I have a great
opportunity, working with teammates from six different countries: Ukraine,
Republic of Georgia, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Germany and the U.S.
Favorite thing about campus?
Good weather is No. 1. I’d rather be way too hot than way too cold. Walk
past the union, and everything is happening — there’s always engagement,
even when its 105 degrees.