By Murray Gleffe
Correspondent
Name: Rohan Gala
Nickname: Rohi
School: Bay Port
Sport: Boys’ tennis
Parents: Simil and Vaishali Gala
Rohan Gala recently finished his senior season of tennis at Bay Port, where he was a captain for three years.
Gala said he plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
He said he speaks four languages and is currently learning two more.
What was the experience like at Bay Port, your progression as a tennis player and playing under Head Coach Lindsay Matuszewski?
“Playing at Bay Port was a lot of fun, especially with great teammates. The competitive culture of the team helped improve my tennis skills and made me a better leader. In practice, we were competitive, but we also helped each other improve. Playing under Lindsay and Steve (Matuszewski) was a unique experience, especially because tennis is more of a mental sport.”
Talk about your volunteer experiences.
“I’ve completed more than 160 hours of community service, including volunteering for summer school tennis and tutoring students in math and reading. One of my favorite volunteer experiences is during summer school tennis because I can see kids improve their tennis ability. I start with them barely understanding the rules of the game to them playing real matches and keeping score.”
If you were given $50,000 by a stranger, what would you do with it?
“I’d invest it in the stock market or a mutual fund that pays a high dividend to act as the base for my future.”
What’s your most memorable tennis moment?
“Walking onto the Nielsen Stadium tennis court my freshman year and competing at the state tournament. The energy and atmosphere of the tournament were amazing and electrifying.”
Cell phone or high-tech camera for pictures?
“A cell phone because of the convenience factor and the ability to still get high-quality pictures.”
If you could be somebody for a day, who would it be?
“Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, because I’d be able to see what it’s like to run one of the most successful and innovative companies in the world.”
Moccasins or Crocs?
“I’ve worn Crocs since I was little.”
In talking with your parents, what’s different growing up now versus when they did?
“They walked to school both ways in the middle of a never-ending blizzard while I drive to school. They also said the music was better in the 1990s.”
Running or walking three miles?
“Running – you get there faster.”
If you could, what’s one thing you’d change about living in the present?
“Daylight saving time because it’s unnecessary.”
What’s your leadership style?
“I lead by example on the tennis court.”
Which two area restaurants do you prefer?
“Margaritas and Cranky Pats.”
Country/pop/rap music?
“I like a mix of rap and pop music.”
What three words describe you?
“Driven, organized, competitive.”
Three things you do in winter to keep active?
“Run, indoor tennis and lift weights.”
French Open or Wimbledon?
“Wimbledon. The history and traditions make it my favorite Grand Slam.”
Who’s your favorite tennis player?
“Dominic Thiem.”
Do you prefer English or history?
“History because learning about the past can help you tackle future problems.”
Art or music?
“Music. I love listening to music when I work out or finish chores.”
If you could board a plane tomorrow and go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
“Dubai. The combination of warm weather and scenery would make the best vacation.”
Summer or fall?
“Summer. I love going to the beach to swim.”