Name: Marc Powers
Age: 20
Year: Sophomore
School: Yale University
Accomplishment: Powers is leading the Men’s tennis team at Yale University as their No. 1 singles player for the second year in a row, having already posted an impressive 17-5 record as a freshman.
Key to Awesomeness: From the time he first picked up a tennis racket at the age of 7, Powers started hitting against boys who were much bigger and stronger than him, and even played practice sets against his mother Denise.
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“My dad didn’t play tennis and my mom wanted someone to hit with,” Powers said. “Looking back now, it’s ironic. My mom just wanted me to be a good club tennis player.”
He began receiving training at under Jon DeFelippo and entered USTA tournaments a few years later, where the winners trophies soon piled on. Powers was ranked No. 1 in New England for every single age division, ultimately holding the top spot throughout juniors for seven consecutive years, and finished his junior career ranked among the top 20 players in the nation.
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A History at Yale: In addition to winning in every age group at least once in the New England Junior Sectional Championships at Yale University, the tournament also helped him form a relationship with the head Men’s tennis coach at Yale, Alex Dorato, which ultimately confirmed his decision to join the Bulldogs.
“I’ve known Dorato since competing at Yale in the 12s division,” said Powers. “He always watched my matches throughout sectionals and has been incredibly supportive. From the first day that he was allowed to, he was always consistent about getting in touch throughout the recruiting process.”
Powers has also been able to get a taste of the pro tour on the Yale courts, competing in the qualifying rounds of singles at the Pilot Pen Tennis Championships, an ATP Tour tournament, in 2009 and 2010, and in the main draw of the doubles event in 2010.
What’s Next: Powers will lead the Bulldogs for a triple-header at Yale University this weekend as they take on Fairleigh Dickinson, Marist and Stonybrook.
