With his last home match complete, the NC State men’s tennis team prepares to say goodbye to one of its valued seniors, Beck Bond, at the end of the 2015 spring season.
Bond was honored along with two other senior teammates at this past Sunday’s doubleheader competition.
“My family was there,” Bond said. “I wanted to focus on getting the win on senior day. Even afterwards, I still can’t believe it’s over. It was very surreal.”
His focus remained sharp as he won his singles match against Miami in straight sets and his doubles match against UNC-Charlotte with partner Thomas Weigel, a junior.
Echoing head coach Jon Choboy’s statement about doubleheaders not being an issue, Bond said he “doesn’t do anything majorly different.”
“I take each match individually,” Bond said. “I felt fine in both my matches, doubles and singles. I think singles fits my playing style better. It’s nice knowing you can go all day playing at your highest level.”
Bond has won seven matches consecutively and has taken down nationally ranked opponents, creating quite a presence on the court. His sophomore year, he completed the season tied for team lead with a match win total of 13. Junior year was no different; Bond won 11 doubles and singles matches.
“He has been one of our hottest players,” Choboy said. “Beck’s actually gotten better as the season has gone along.”
Given his winning streak, Bond is more than proud of his play so far and considers it a product of long hours of practice.
“I would say on a personal level, it was a success,” Bond said. “I’ve spent time playing six hours a day with Robbie [Mudge] and others. I’m happy with the way I’m playing right now.”
The 2015 season has been a roller coaster for the men’s tennis team in regard to standings. The Wolfpack is 15-9, 4-6 in the ACC, but this does not reflect the hard work put forth in each match.
“On a team level, it has been up and down but overall, we are as strong as we’ve ever been during my time here,” Bond said. “A real testament to this team is that we bounce back from each time we’re knocked down.”
Before coming to NC State, Bond was ranked No. 2 player in Connecticut, No. 4 in New England, and No. 75 player nationally. He picked NC State over Boston College.
“I wanted to experience something,” Bond said. “I’ve lived up north my whole life and thought going to school would provide an opportunity to change things up.”
The Connecticut native recognizes a significant difference in the Raleigh lifestyle and is certain NC State was the right choice for him.
“Being from Connecticut, people have a ‘do your own thing’ mentality,” Bond said. “I’ve slowed down my perception on life, stopped being a part of the hustle and bustle and learned to talk to everyone. It’s a good different.”
Bond will remain in NC after receiving his degree in Communication; he has concentrated on interpersonal and public relations during his time at NC State.
“I am working in a financial advising company with Austin Powell in Charlotte, specializing in life and health insurance,” Bond said.
His legacy isn’t over yet; Bond and his fellow seniors have a little under a month left of play time between the end of regular season and the start of ACC tournaments.
“We’re looking to finish strong,” Bond said.
When asked if there were any rivalries or favorite teams to play, Bond commented that Virginia Tech was always interesting. This is aside from the typical NC State rivals of UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke.
“I always know [Virginia Tech] is going to be a battle and it’s always fun,” Bond said.
Aside from tennis, Bond has plenty of hobbies to choose from.
“My favorite things to do when I’m not playing tennis are to play my guitar, make music, golf, fish and hang with friends.”
With just a short time left as a member of the Pack, Bond will be looking to leave his mark on the tennis program.
