Tennis has served New Paltz student Eri Yamakawa well.
The sport has provided the international business major with a place to excel and a team to call her own. Eri has had an impressive run at New Paltz, and she is only a junior.

Last year, as a sophomore, Eri was named team captain.  She was hesitant at first, because there were older girls on her team, but says she has the full support of her teammates and her coach, Rob Bruley.

This year, Eri received the prestigious Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars Award, which recognizes athletic, academic and social excellence. At the end of the 2005-2006 season, her career goals with the New Paltz Hawks are 16-6 in number one and two singles, and 16-5 in number one doubles.

Eri began playing tennis at the age of 11, to be like her mom. The young player attended the Concordia College Racquet Club tennis camp where, as a coach, she is now sharing her skills with future players.  She has gained new perspective into the game and is mentally stronger because of the experience.  “You have to find new ways to present the game to kids,” she said.

Eri, who was born in California, attended first- through fourth-grade in Japan.  She would like to return to the Japanese school system, this time as a college student studying abroad.

Why New Paltz?: " I liked the diversity and the overall environment."

A typical day at New Paltz:  "I go to class, eat, practice, eat, sleep, eat, practice."

Family talk: "It's a great mix of Japanese and English."