Sports

Senior Athletes of the Week: James Oliver and Matthew Billet

By Tucker Hamlin ’17

Matt Billet

Hometown: Bedford, NY

Sport: Tennis

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Novak Djokovic

How did you get introduced to tennis?

My mom signed me up for lessons at age 4 and I guess I fell in love with it.

What is your favorite thing to do on campus besides your sport?

Play golf with friends when the weather is nice (which is never).

What attracted you to Hamilton’s Tennis program?

The ability to combine superior academics with the competitiveness of the NESCAC.

What is the toughest obstacle you have had to overcome in your athletic career?

Coming into Hamilton as a Jan right before spring season was a difficult transition, but with time I have became more comfortable with the competition.  

How has the program evolved over the past four years?

The team has become much more close-knit, both on and off the court. I consider all the guys to be close friends.

Have you fulfilled your expectations for your senior season?

Overall, I think I have. Aside from moving up the lineup throughout my four years, I believe that I’ve become a much better player, athlete, and competitor.

What was your favorite sports moment at Hamilton?

Beating Conn College away sophomore year (with my close friend from high school on the other side) was probably the sweetest victory.

 

James Oliver

Hometown: Lakewood, Ohio
 
Sport: Tennis

Major: Government
 
Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
 
How did you get introduced to tennis?

My father was a college tennis player and introduced me to tennis at a very young age.
 
What is your favorite thing to do on campus besides your sport?

Spend time with friends and attend as many athletic events as possible.
 
What attracted you to Hamilton’s Tennis program?

I transferred as a sophomore from Lafayette College and during my transfer process; I searched for a school that had not only a strong athletic reputation but also an academic curriculum that would prepare me for my plans after graduation. What attracted me to both Hamilton and the NESCAC is the academics-first approach with student-athletes, which I feel many schools lose sight of.   
 
What is the toughest obstacle you have had to overcome in your athletic career?

When I was a junior in high school, I suffered a back injury that potentially could have prevented me from playing tennis at a high level for the rest of my life. Overcoming that injury was a significant obstacle but it has made me appreciate the privilege of being a student-athlete very much. 
  
What was your favorite sports moment at Hamilton?

While I have had a lot of great moments at Hamilton, winning our final match over Connectict College my sophomore year was probably the best. It was a close match and a great way for the seniors to end their college athletic careers and I hope I get to end mine in a similar manner. 

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