With a list of achievements too long to mention, men’s tennis player Andrew Reiff has stood out in his time at NAU. He was named to the All-Big Sky first team in 2009 and finished second in the Big Sky for his record in No. 1 singles competition, while still managing to earn the Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete Award as a freshman. Reiff spoke to The Lumberjack after a convincing 8-3 win to defeat Air Force in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Feb. 13.

Janelle Cordova / The Lumberjack

The Lumberjack: What is it that made you choose to play tennis at NAU?

Andrew Reiff: I basically hadn’t chosen a college, and I had no idea where I wanted to go. Then I got a call from the head coach here at NAU with an offer to play. When I came here, it seemed like a really great environment, and I guess it was the right decision in the end.

LJ: How does the high altitude affect and influence your game?
AR: At first, it was difficult at times, but getting used to it didn’t take long. It really comes into play when I play a match at a lower level. The altitude gives [me] an edge over the opposition because training here makes us in better shape and physically ready for harder, longer matches.

LJ: Are there any tennis players, or professional athletes in general, who you look up to or try to emulate on the court?
AR: The biggest influence on me has probably been Andre Agassi. I was lucky enough to meet him when I was 12, so I got an autograph and a photo with him. I just love the way he played, and his attitude off the court, as well; he just seemed like an all-around nice guy when I met him.

LJ: What’s the most challenging thing you’ve faced in your career so far? What’s the most rewarding?
AR: I probably struggled most when I was about 16 and 17 when I was returning to the game at a national level. Basically, when I was around 13 and 14, I was competing in national tournaments, but having time away from the sport was a challenge for me when I came back. But as tough as it was, making my return to competitive tennis was the most rewarding thing in my tennis career so far, as well.

LJ: What’s your main goal in your tennis career?
AR: My main goal at the moment is to win the conference championships as a team. But personally, in the longer term, I hope to be ranked nationally in singles or doubles and hopefully, one day, play in a professional tournament.

LJ: What do you like doing off the court to keep busy? And how important is it to have other focuses in your life that aren’t related to tennis?
AR: I’m really into pottery and ceramics, which I’ve been doing for a while now. Also, I love to play the trumpet, which I started in high school. And my girlfriend tends to keep me busy, as well. But the truth is I find it hard to stop thinking about tennis. I think about it when I’m walking to class; I think, ‘How can I play the perfect backhand or forehand?’ and I dream about it, too. I just love the game so much that it’s such a big part of my life.