Meet the Cats: Shoki Kasahara

In part two of our 12-part “Meet the Cats” mini-series, ArizonaWildcats.com sits down with freshman Shoki Kasahara. He’s off to a dominating 6-3 start in his first fall season with the Wildcats.

ArizonaWildcats.com: What encouraged you to play tennis in the United States?

Kasahara: In Singapore the facilities were not that great, but they are amazing here in the United States.   

ArizonaWildcats.com: Why did you choose to come to Arizona?

Kasahara: Arizona was the school that made the best impression on me. Coach Berkowitz played a big role in me choosing to go here because when he contacted me he was a very nice guy.  He was also very interested in me and I was interested in coming to the United States. It was a great fit.  

ArizonaWildcats.com:  What would you be doing if you were not playing tennis?

Kasahara: To be honest I would be studying a lot. I am now studying pre-business and have formed an interest in business so I will be getting into more of the mechanics and that side of things.

ArizonaWildcats.com: What is the biggest difference from playing tennis in Singapore and playing tennis in the United States?

Kasahara: The environment and facilities.  The weather here is very different. I like it here because the conditions are perfect for tennis. In Singapore it is very humid, whereas here it’s very dry, which is nice.  

ArizonaWildcats.com: What type of player would you say you are?

Kasahara: I am an all-around player. I prefer staying at the back doing groundstrokes, but then I can also play at the front of the net.

ArizonaWildcats.com: Where do you see yourself with tennis in the future?

Kasahara: I’m just concentrating on my four years in school right now. If I do well enough in school I will continue with tennis, but if not I will focus on my career away from tennis.

ArizonaWildcats.com: What is the most frequent question you get asked regarding tennis?

Kasahara: People ask if I want to go pro a lot.

ArizonaWildcats.com: Who influences/influenced you to play tennis and why?

Kasahara: Roger Federer. He is like a legend to me and without him I would not be playing tennis.

ArizonaWildcats.com: What do you like to do on your off days?

Kasahara: I like to go out, make new friends and sleep! 

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