Finding the right balance: Deanne Choo’s journey in managing academics and international tennis

Deanne Choo’s journey from Singapore to the Bulls’ tennis team at the University at Buffalo was anything but conventional. Despite being a three-time national doubles champion and a two-time national singles runner-up in her home country, Choo didn’t start training seriously until the age of 15. The demanding Singapore education system forced her to take breaks from tennis to focus on exams, making it challenging to excel in both academics and sports simultaneously.

However, Choo’s passion for tennis grew when she made the decision to be homeschooled and pursue the sport full-time. Coming from a family with a deep connection to tennis, Choo’s uncle represented Singapore internationally, and her family members encouraged her to follow in their footsteps.

Joining the Bulls’ tennis team allowed Choo to further develop her skills and bond with her teammates, whom she considers as close as family. Despite not being able to visit the campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Choo was convinced by the testimonials of her coaches and teammates that UB was the right choice for her.

As she looks ahead to her next season with the team, Choo aims to foster a supportive and close-knit team culture that will lead them to success on the court. With her experience and leadership skills, she hopes to guide the team to a MAC championship, building on the strong bond and togetherness they have cultivated. Choo’s dedication to both her sport and her team exemplifies her commitment to excellence and teamwork.