Athlete Profile

James Crosetto

Hometown Eatonville, Wash.

High School Eatonville

Year Junior

Major Computer Engineering

After compiling an 8-2 singles record in 2007, including an 8-1 mark in conference matches, James Crosetto is looking forward to firmly establishing his spot among Pacific Lutheran's top six in singles play. He is one of six players on the current roster who played at least five singles matches in 2007. In addition to balancing athletics and academics, Crosetto also serves as a peer tutor in computer science classes.

Describe your family. How have they helped you in your athletic career?
My family has been major supporters of my athletic career. My dad is the main reason I started playing tennis in high school. He used to play tennis when he was in high school and so he encouraged me to give it a try. Once I started, I couldn’t get enough. My dad and I practiced all the time and we still play occasionally. I played all four years of high school and now I am on the PLU team. My mom has always been there to lift my spirits when I’m feeling down. Both of my parents still come out to support me at PLU matches.

Describe any hardships or extenuation circumstances that you have faced to get to where you are today.
I grew up in a small town so I didn’t really have anyone to practice with except for my dad. It forced me to work on my skills without the benefit of having someone to play with a lot of the time. Also, I didn’t have a tennis court available nearby to practice on, so I practiced against a wall or on our lawn. I was determined to improve, so I worked on my game just by hitting serves by myself or playing with my dad on our lawn as well as I could. In the end it paid off as I was the number one player on my high school team for three years and now I am on the PLU team.

What factors led to your decision to attend PLU?
I decided to attend PLU partly for academics and partly for athletics. PLU provides a well-rounded education in the fields of study that I want to pursue. It is a small university, so it allows a student to get to know the faculty and other students easily. Also, I was able to continue playing tennis, which was very important to me.

What has been your favorite class at PLU?
Computer Graphics. I took it during J-Term and it was a ton of work, but I enjoyed the aspect of creating 3D pictures that the user can interact with. It gave me a chance to be creative in a way that I found very interesting.

Have you had any trouble balancing athletics with academics?
So far I haven’t had any problems tutoring while on the PLU tennis team. I have been able to balance my athletics with my academics without much of a problem. The tennis season is this spring however, so that will be the real test. Still, I think I will be able to handle it without any problems.

What are your plans after college?
After a few years of working I might go back to school to get a master’s or doctorate, especially if the company I work for pays for it. Right now, Google and Microsoft are my top picks for companies I would like to work for.

When your athletic career is all said and done, what is it that you would want people to say about you?
I want people to say that I was a good role model. I don’t necessarily care if I am number one on the team, although that would be nice, but I want to be seen as an excellent student first and a dedicated athlete second. I hope people remember me as a good friend and competitor.

Describe your hometown and what you miss about it the most.
I miss the peace and quiet of my hometown. It is a small town so there aren’t many places to visit, but the outside is where you find things to do. It seems like I could always find a quiet place to read or relax or a mountain to climb. I still visit my parents pretty often since they live fairly close by and it always seems like my cares are a million miles away.

What's your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the tennis courts because I enjoy myself when I am playing tennis. It takes my mind off of my studies and gives me a chance to stay active. It’s a good break from school and I like competing and improving.

What is your favorite restaurant in Tacoma?
I don’t eat out much, but I would say my favorite is Olive Garden. I think they have great food and their salad is delicious. It is just a little too expensive for me to eat there very often.

What music is playing in your ipod right now?
I listen to a little bit of everything. I have a lot of movie soundtracks and pop and rock on my ipod right now. I just listen to whatever suits my mood.