Nick McKenzie is a senior on the Lafayette Leopards men's tennis team and an Economics major from Gold Coast, Australia. He has been on the Leopards tennis squad for all four years and is a member on campus of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the international honor society. On College Hill, he has dedicated himself to balancing a heavy schedule of being a student-athlete with academics, which has made him a leader on and off the match floor.

McKenzie has earned Academic All-District Team selection, Patriot League honors, and Dean's List recognition within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. After graduation, he will be working full-time in New York City as a Sales & Trading Analyst for Bank of America. 

On College Hill

What made you choose Lafayette?
My dad and I visited the campus before committing and loved it. Everyone was super nice and we loved the blend of sport and academics.

What's been your favorite part of being at Lafayette so far?
The people make the place and I am very glad to have made lifelong friends in all departments here.

What's a typical in-season day like for you?
In early fall, it's 6 a.m. practice followed by lift afterwards. Then I take a quick nap and head to my classes. The afternoon is usually spent finishing up work or just relaxing with the guys.

What advice would you give to international student-athletes considering playing in the U.S.?
I would tell them to just go for it. Things tend to work themselves out and you would be giving yourself the best chance at success and happiness.

How has studying abroad (in the U.S.) helped you grow as a person?
It has helped me be able to gel and fit into different environments. Like most people, I didn't know anyone on the first day. Adding in a slight cultural shift also made things a little trickier, but being able to connect with different people in different ways has definitely helped my confidence to be able to embrace change.

As a senior, what are you most proud of from your time here?
I'm proud of how close our team has remained over the years. It has always been the first point of welcome for our freshman and I'm super excited to see what the guys can achieve next year.

Australia Roots

What first got you into tennis back home in Australia?
I started playing when I was 4. I just enjoyed running around and being outside and thankfully my parents pushed me to pick up a racket.

What has your journey from Australia to college tennis in the U.S. been like?
It's definitely been a crazy ride that has taken some adjustments. I knew for a while that I wanted to keep pursuing tennis, so being able to still play and go to school in the U.S. seemed like the best of both worlds. I still think it is the best decision I have ever made.

What was the biggest adjustment moving overseas for school and sport?
The weather. I have never lived in a place where it snows, so getting used to that was pretty strange. Getting up for practice at 5 a.m. and not being able to feel my fingers is something I don't think I ever got used to.

What's one thing you miss most about Australia?
My family and the weather.

Have you introduced your teammates to anything from home (music, food, slang)?
Lots of Aussie slang that probably takes too long to describe.

What's your go-to meal when you're missing home?
Fresh seafood and strawberries for dessert.

If your teammates visited Australia, where's the first place you'd take them?
Byron Bay wharf to look over at the beach.

Coaching and Mentorship

How has your background shaped your playing style?
My high school coach was an ex-professional player who liked to focus on serve and volleying. Part of his game definitely translated across when he coached me.

What motivates you as you finish your senior season?
Every time I play, I remind myself that next year I'm not going to be able to be out here competing with my mates. Next year I will be working in New York City and not be able to play very often. It keeps me in a better mood and stops me from taking each match for granted.

How do you stay connected to home while being so far away?
I always try to call my parents at least once a week. It's hard sometimes with the time zone differences but they always go out of their way to accommodate me which I am super thankful for.

Who on the team brings the best energy to practice?
John Dickens

Who is someone you look up to and why?
My dad. He is always looking out for everyone but himself and pushes me to be a better man. My mum is also a very strong person and will always support me.

The Player's Box

What's something about U.S. college tennis that surprised you?
I was definitely surprised by how hostile matches can be. It sounds funny because you don't really think of tennis as a vicious game, but when you are on court it feels really cutthroat. Every point someone is screaming in your face, so embracing the atmosphere is important.

What's a match or moment in your college career that stands out most?
Junior year when we played Loyola. It's a crucial match in our season and it comes down to 3-3 with my match being the decider. Winning that match and seeing my team storm the court to celebrate with me was one of my favorite moments playing ever.

What's one word that describes your game?
BIG

How do you stay locked in during long matches?
I remind myself to play to win, and not play to not lose.

What's been your favorite match or trip with the team so far?
Spring break my junior year was a lot of fun. It was the perfect mix of tennis and fun.

What's something you've added to your game since arriving on campus?
The "NOGA". It's a shot done on the full stretch that is pretty tricky to master.

If your playing style had a nickname, what would it be?
Hit or miss 

Quick Hits

What's a hidden talent you have?
1500 elo in Chess.

If you could travel anywhere next, where would it be?
London, to go and watch Wimbledon.

If you could support or donate to any cause, what would it be?
Movember is a movement to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.