Nov. 27, 2013
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa men’s tennis player Michael Swank had the privilege of speaking in front of the entire athletic department at the monthly all-staff meeting on Nov. 20.
The meetings, among other points of discussion, give the athletic department a chance to hear from student athletes each month to see how being an athlete at Iowa has impacted them.
As a senior, Swank was asked to represent the men’s tennis team. A native of Lawrence, Kan., Swank’s message to the staff on hand was about how much of a family atmosphere Iowa athletics have offered him during his time on campus.
“The message I was trying to portray in my speech was how the athletic department acts as an extended family. A group of people doing everything in their power to help athletes succeed,” said Swank. “That is something that has always meant a lot to me, and has really helped me develop while at Iowa.”
An academic All-Big Ten honoree last spring, Swank finished the fall season with a 4-6 record in singles play to go along with a 5-6 mark in doubles action. Swank won three-straight doubles matches at the Purdue Invitational, while capturing the flight C consolation doubles title with Nils Hallestrand at the Wake Forest Invitational.
“To be able to speak was a great honor,” said Swank. “It means I have been representing the university, the tennis team, and Iowa students well.”
To view the video, click HERE