Andre Begemann Q&A
3/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Two-time All-American Andre Begemann (
Q. What made you decide to pursue and education in the
A. “I was looking for a combination of what we don’t have in
Q. How did you choose Pepperdine?
A. “It was an opportunity to play at a Division I school with an excellent business department. I had heard of Pepperdine and knew its reputation for nationally ranked tennis teams.”
Q. Tell me about the transition from living in Germany to living in the U.S.
A. “Everyone was very friendly and open here. Back home people don’t talk to you unless they know you. It made the transition much easier.”
Q. Your team is very diverse in that it is composed of players from many different countries. What’s that like as far as forming bonds as teammates?
A. “It’s interesting to learn about the different cultures my teammates come from. We’re really like one big family in that we share the same goals and look out for one another.”
Q. What’s it like playing for head coach Adam Steinberg?
A. “He emphasizes that it’s all about the team and not the individual. He treats everyone the same whether you’re No. 1 or someone trying to earn a spot on the team. Coach Steinberg is very passionate about his job and teaches all of us to play with our hearts and beat the opponent with intensity.”
Q. Most of the players on the men’s tennis team are far away from home. Does Coach Steinberg serve as a role model and mentor?
A. “Any time any of us have a problem we can go to him. He teaches self-discipline, staying positive and keeping up a high G.P.A.”
Q. Your team has a lot of spirit and you seem to encourage one another during matches. Is that part of Coach Steinberg’s philosophy?
A. “It’s a big part of his coaching style. At first, it’s hard for some player to adjust to thinking about cheering their teammates on when they’re in the middle of their own match, but it work and it’s what really bring us together as a team.”
Q. Your first year playing for Pepperdine, your team won the NCAA Division I national championship for the first time in the history of Pepperdine tennis. You played a big role in winning the title. What was it like for you?
A. "The greatest moment in my career at Pepperdine was clinching the national championship in 2006. My team meant so much to me and being able to bring it all together and winning the title for Pepperdine will always be in the history books and in the back of my mind."
Q. What has been your most exciting individual achievement to date?
A. “Individually, I was really excited about becoming the first Pepperdine player ever to win the Regional Championship after upsetting the #1 in the country from UCLA in 2006. And then coming back in 2007 after a shoulder and elbow injury defending my title was just awesome. I am always very proud to play for such a great school like Pepperdine and that pushes me even more every time I step on the court.”
Q. You travel quite a bit in the fall and spring to different competitions. Is it difficult to keep up with your studies?
A. “Academically, it has always been my biggest goal to do as well as I possibly can in every class I take. I received two all-academic honors, which meant a lot to me and my parents. Being a student-athlete is not easy, but I always recognize and appreciate how much the people at Pepperdine do for me. By making a great effort on the court as well as in the classroom I try to give something back. I will be finishing my degree in business within 3 1/2 years since I took five classes every semester. I would say this is unusual for an athlete and therefore it will be something I am very proud of when I am done.”
Q. How did you get started playing tennis?
A. “My father was a professional soccer player for
Q. How difficult is it to become a professional tennis player?
A. “Being ranked in the top 10, I know I could do it. The main thing will be finding some type of sponsor to help with the expenses.”
Q. What are your plans beyond tennis?
A. “I would like to live here and start my own business. I’m not sure in what area, but I’ll definitely use my business degree. I like working with numbers.
Q. Have you been happy with your decision to come to Pepperdine?
A. “I love being here. There’s so much do with the beach close by and
