Courtesy of Howard University Athletic Media Relations


WASHINGTON, D.C., April 8, 2020 – Howard University junior broadcast journalism major Tiffany Hunt resumed the 2019-20 Senior Profile series with fellow student-athlete and tennis standout Cole Gittens, asking 10 human interest questions.
 
Q: What's your favorite part of tennis?
A: I like the fact that there is always something to improve on. With every mistake on the court, your opponent gets the upper hand. So, you analyze how to improve your game every time you step on the court.
 
Q: How did you get started in tennis?
A: Around age six, my friends and I were looking for some activity to do and just a few blocks away from my home was a local tennis court. So, we decided to play, and I immediately discovered that I was pretty good at the sport and really enjoyed it.
 
Q: What kept you motivated?
A: I was motivated in improving my game while returning from an injury. Also, my teammates and coaches always motivated me because they wanted the best out of me.
 
Q: If you were not competing in tennis, what other sport would you do?
A: I would play soccer because there was a professional soccer player who lived in my community and offered clinics. I was always intrigued by the sport, especially how they display tremendous footwork.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete and why?
A: My favorite athlete is David Ferrer, because he's always been the little guy in tennis. I respect his grind and love for the sport that he presents every day.
 
Q: What's your favorite memory at Howard?
A: My favorite memories were the roast sessions during my freshman year (lol). Great times among my teammates and fellow floormates that lived in Drew Hall.
 
Q: Plans after graduation?
A: Currently, I'm looking at a few real estate jobs, along with some opportunities in the law field, specifically as a legal assistant.
 
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I will miss my teammates and close friends, along with former Howard Professor, Dr. Woods.
 
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: I recommend future Bison to always research your professors and ask your classmates or teammates for help when in need.
 
Q: Who would you like to thank?
A: I personally would like to thank my parents, first and foremost. Also, my freshman year tennis teammates for being so welcoming. Lastly, I would like to say good luck to the incoming freshmen and all my teammates from this current season.
 
About Gittens
Hailing all the way from the Big Apple, Cole Gittens made his collegiate debut in 2017, where he won Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week on Feb. 1. Gittens ended his rookie campaign with three singles victories, including two in league play. He also won two doubles matches with one being at the conference championship.
 
As a sophomore, Gittens won two singles events while going a perfect 2-0 in doubles during conference play, with teammate Roger Lyn.
 
After grabbing a pair of singles wins during his junior year, Gittens saw his senior campaign cut short due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The New York native competed in five matches, winning a singles and double match along the way. On Feb. 5, he was named MEAC Men's Tennis Player of the Week.