Commitment Profile
Countdown: Jayson Fung Crossing the Country for Amherst
by Rhiannon Potkey, 23 March 2016
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Jayson Fung started his college search by looking at several Division I programs. The more he explored his opportunities, the more Fung realized he needed to expand his options.
Although Fung wanted to play for a highly-competitive tennis program, he wanted a more balanced college experience.
The five-star recruit began focusing on the Division III level, and found the perfect match at Amherst College in Massachusetts.
"The Division III experience and lifestyle seems to fit me better," Fung said. "Division I is a lot more rigorous in terms playing a lot of tennis, which I would love to do. But I also want to have a great social and academic experience and be able to have a career outside of tennis after college."
Fung, a San Francisco native, spent a few days visiting Amherst's campus early last fall and met with the team and the coaching staff.
"I realized that a lot of the recruiting class for this year is very strong with three five-star guys," Fung said. "The chances of us winning the NCAA Championships is tremendously high, and I really wanted to be a part of that. Knowing they have a strong team and strong support from the coaches and school itself meant a lot."
Born and raised in the Bay Area, Fung inherited his love of tennis from his father.
"My dad grew up back in China playing ping pong and table tennis and kind of easily transitioned into tennis, which is more popular in America. He introduced me to the game when I was 7," Fung said. "I went to clinics at the club every day and it eventually became my passion. I really got the desire from my dad and realized I had the potential and fire to keep playing it for most of my life."
Although Fung enjoys being a member of a team, the individual accountability of tennis is what compelled him to focus all of his energy into improving.
"I like not having to blame anyone if I'm not playing well or if I lose. It eliminates all of that because it's about playing for yourself and not for others," Fung said. "The game itself is also very interesting with the strategies and off-the-court training required."
