After spending the last few years as a touring professional tennis player, Chris Lam has now joined the University of Denver tennis staff as the assistant coach. Lam is no stranger to traveling or working to achieve his dreams. Lam grew up in Honolulu, HI and was one of five children that were homeschooled. He attended UCLA where he was

a member of the Bruins’ 2005 NCAA national team. He then turned pro in 2006 and in his first year on tour, moved up 801 spots in the world singles rankings to 722. From October to November, Chris moved up 815 notches in the world doubles rankings to 685. At the end of 2006, Chris was ranked #63 among American men in singles and #65 in doubles. Highlights of his 2006 season in singles action included a semifinal appearance at the Palmen Motors Futures in Kenosha, Wisconsin, along with making the quarterfinals at Orange Park, Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Honolulu. In doubles play, Chris was a finalist of the Wailea Challenger with Rodrigo Grilli (BRA). Chris and Rodrigo also advanced to the semifinals at Honolulu. At Costa Mesa, Chris teamed with Chris Surapol (USA) in advancing to the semifinals.

Chris recently spoke with HSI about how homeschooling helped in his success from college to the pros.

What advise would you give other homeschoolers who are working to play sports in college?
- -
One is know the location you want. I know I wanted to stay on the west coast and didn’t want to adjust to different weather and I wanted a similar lifestyle in Hawaii. And the other is make sure you agree with the coaching staff at the school Each school has their own personality so make sure it fits what you want to do. If you want to focus just on school, you may want to look for a smaller school.

How did homeschooling help prepare you for college and as a professional athlete?
- -
I always wanted to play Division I tennis. So it was exciting and wasn’t a hard balance between athletics and school Homeschooling gave me a good time management base and helped me manage my time really well. From the academic side, kids worry, but don’t worry because homeschooling prepares you really well and homeschooling is a really high level education. (So you will be prepared).

And sports were really good from a social aspect. I was ready going from high school to college. Some people say that (homeschoolers) won’t be ready and you will be so academically, athletically and socially behind; but don’t listen to them because you are getting prepared for college by homeschooling.

Homeschooling also gave me the flexibility to pursue tennis with workouts and travel. HSI