Commitment Profile
JJ Wolf Stays Home at Ohio State
by
Ali Jones, 25 April 2016
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JJ Wolf's success in tennis was consistent, but the emotional commitment to the game did not happen until recently.
"I just fell in love with tennis," Wolf said. "I didn't like tennis that much until this past summer. I don't know what it is - I just got really into tennis. I started playing a few ITFs, and I saw how much fun it is and just started enjoying it."
Still a high school junior, his newfound dedication and passion for tennis has him focused on a pro career, but not before sharpening and maturing his game in college.
"My biggest goal is to go to a big D-I school, good academics and good tennis, a few years later, successfully transition into the pros," Wolf explained. "Having success on the tour is my end goal."
He explored the top academic and athletic programs in the country, including Illinois, Duke, Stanford and Northwestern. In the end, he decided to stay in-state and has verbally committed to Ohio State University.
The most important reason for his decision centered around family. Jeff Wolf, his father, had been undergoing cancer treatment at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center. Mr. Wolf has been JJ's tennis coach from the start, and he had always been present for every practice and match.
"His health was a big part of my decision," JJ said. The resources and reputation of the school's tennis program made his choice even easier.
"I've known the Ohio State coaches for a long time," Wolf said. "I've seen how they take players and adopt them as family. They're so dedicated on and off the court. I think they do the best job anywhere in the country at developing tennis players. I still have a long way to go, so hopefully they'll develop me the best."
