Athlete Of The Week: Pedro Garcia, Bayshore High Tennis

Where are you from originally?: Ecuador.

How long have you been in the United States?: It will be five years on April 15.

Did you know any English before coming to the United States?: No.

How long did it take you to become completely fluent?: About three years.

When did you start playing tennis?: I've been playing tennis since I was 4.

Who or what lead you into tennis?: My dad. He is a coach at IMG (Academies).

Did your dad (Aurielo) play professionally?: No, but he was the No. 1 junior from Ecuador when he was 16. He is the best coach to come out of Ecuador.

How has tennis helped you in your everyday life?: Tennis and school are the same. If you are not focused or positive, you are not going to perform at the same level.

What are your college plans?: My goal is to go to the University of Miami. It is pretty hard (to gain admission). I'm going to do everything that I can to achieve that goal.

What would you like to study in college?: International business.

Do you have any idea what you will do when you get your degree?: Another goal is to work at any big bank when I graduate from college like my uncle. He works for the BNP Paribas Group. 

What other sports do you follow?: Soccer. I love soccer. I love Real Madrid.

Who's your favorite professional soccer player?: Cristiano Ronaldo. I even do my hair like him.

What's your favorite subject in school?: Let me think. Probably Algebra II.

In terms of competition, what are you expecting at your second straight state tournament?: There is going to be a lot of good players, but it is now or never. I have to try my best and get all my shots. Just play my best.