May 18, 2006
Coaches always say it is what you do away from the court that makes you a better athlete. For Peter Oredsson and Henrik Soderberg, the lone seniors on the SMU men's tennis team, not only being a student of tennis, but a student of academics is what makes them great leaders as student-athletes.
"Henrik and Peter have been model student-athletes four and half years at SMU," head coach Carl Neufeld said. "They have been two of the top students that I have ever coached. They have also been fantastic tennis players."
Both players were recruited by Neufeld and have been a part of the tennis team since their freshman year. Dedicated to their sport and academics, Peter and Henrik have earned their spot in the line-up and as leaders of the squad. Peter is an economic major with a concentration in financial application while Henrik is a finance major with a minor in advertising.
Neufeld on Henrik:
"Henrik has been one of the top doubles players over the last four years. He was nationally ranked often through that time. His aggressiveness in doubles and work ethic on an off the court, especially off the court, he's probably a stronger conditioned athlete that I've ever coached and especially on campus. He's committed to the weight room and extra effort not only while he is in practice but also on his own, extra running, extra playing, extra conditioning, to the level that I've never seen by anyone and I've coached players that have done very well in the pros, winning Wimbledon and doubles and top internationally player, Henrik has a work ethic that at least equals them."
Neufeld on Peter:
"Peter has been a fantastic student, not only of tennis on the court, but also in the classroom and his game has really blossomed in this last year to where he has been our No. 1 player and one of the top players in the country and being nationally ranked and also winning our regional tournament which is something we haven't done here for 16 or 17 years. May have been a few times, but that was certainly before Texas being the dominate state that it is now. All the teams ranked, so many teams ranked in the top 10 and 20 in the country. More teams ranked nationally than ever before. Having said that, his accomplishment is maybe even better than before."
Here is Henrik and Peter on tennis on and off the court, being a student-athlete and more...
Why did you choose SMU?
Henrik: It is a good school and it was a good way of combining tennis and studying.
Peter: Because of the good tennis and academics.
How have you balanced academics and being an athlete?
Henrik: You have to be dedicated, time efficient and always plan ahead.
Peter: Study on my free time and pay attention in class.
Tennis is a full time job, what do you do off the courts to stay "in" the game?
Henrik: I love to work out, but if I don't work out, I try to keep my mind off tennis and hang out with friends.
Peter: Get enough food and sleep
Do you use the same drive and dedication for the sport as well as classes? Explain...
Henrik: Yes, I have been planning ahead a lot. I have been taking summer school every summer so I would have a nice last semester, and I do. (only taking two classes)
Peter: Sure, I'm a bad loser. I hate getting bad grades as well as losing in tennis.
You have worked your way up as a freshman on this team, what did you do or focus on to better yourself and move up the line-up?
Henrik: Being focused on the court at every practice is something that is very important and it is a process you learn the older you get.
Peter: Work on my game and be resilient.
What part of your game do you think you are the best at?
Henrik: My backhand is without question my best shot, other than that, my serve is a killer.
Peter: Serving
What has been the most valuable thing you have learned while being a student-athlete?
Henrik: To manage my time wisely - that is probably the most important thing I have learned.
Peter: To manage my time and plan ahead.
What has been your favorite thing about playing at SMU?
Henrik: The team spirit we have. We all have fun together.
Peter: Playing matches and being on the team.
What was the biggest adjustment to Dallas, college and being a student-athlete?
Henrik: Managing your time, taking care of yourself and learning a new language.
Peter: All the transit time to and from places.
Who has influenced your career the most?
Henrik: A lot of people have influenced me, but of course, my parents are the ones that have influenced me the most.
Peter: My dad
What are your plans upon graduation?
Henrik: I am going to play professionally for two years to start with. I want to give my tennis a chance.
Peter: Get a job or continue studying.
What do you do when you are not playing tennis?
Henrik: I try to do as much as I can - so, friends, watch movies, just try to have fun.
Peter: Sleeping, eating, studying or relaxing
What are three words that you would use to describe yourself?
Henrik: stubborn, loyal, determined
Peter: Calm, efficient, thinker
What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
Henrik: I love music.
Peter: I'm a heavy metal fan.
