High school is a time when teenagers can still be teenagers, stressing about nothing but where to hang out on the weekends, prom dates, and algebra homework. But, for Georgia Southern senior men's tennis player Judson Blair, that wasn't the case. Growing up in Salem, Oregon, he spent most of his "free time" in high school training for Tennis in Portland, Oregon, or traveling for tournaments on the weekend.
"About 3 or 4 times a week, I would drive an hour to Portland for practice, train for 3 hours, and then drive another hour back home, which isn't ideal," said Judson.
While his peers enjoyed typical high school experiences, Judson dedicated his time to training and working towards his goals. Earning awards and recognition such as an impressive Universal Tennis Rating of 12 and the No. 21 USTA national ranking.
"I think those sacrifices paid off in the long run," Judson said. "Sacrificing that free time and those hours on the weekend."
In addition to his high school experience, Judson is also the son of two NCAA Division I athletes, Rhonda and B.J. Blair, who both competed at the University of Iowa. His father was a diver and his mother, like Judson, played tennis.
"Growing up in a house full of athletes definitely set the tone and kind of my foundation," Judson said, "Both parents being outstanding DI athletes, there was definitely a different work ethic in our household of just what to do and what not to do and that shaped how I am today."
Judson has only been here for two years after transferring to Georgia Southern from San Diego State, but he immediately made an impact for the Eagles, winning 20 singles matches heading into this weekend's final home matches at Wallis.
"My team makes it feel like a family, and I love spending time with them. Whether it's eating, living with them, or just hanging out, they've really made Georgia Southern a special place," said Judson.
Like other athletes, Judson finds the culture at Georgia Southern important. The support and connections he's made during his time here plays a big part in his love for the Eagles. "Being able to have great friends and peers, people I can look up to within athletics and outside of it."
Being only a few weeks away from taking his walk across the stage, Judson plans on getting some well-deserved rest after his last semester of college.
"After May, I will be taking that next month definitely, we have a family vacation planned," said Blair. "Shortly after that I will be starting work in the Atlanta area with quadrant real estate investing."
As a college athlete, everyone wants to leave an impression on their future alma mater. For Judson, it's his work ethic both on and off the tennis court.
"I think I've shown these past two years and I feel like I am one of the hardest workers out there, I bust my butt in the classroom, the weight room and at practice." Judson expressed.
For his teammates and new Eagles to come after him, he hopes his efforts stick for years to come.
