CHICAGO--The Illinois Institute of Technology athletic department will be recognizing student-athletes on an individual basis as a part of NCAA Division III Week. The fifith installment is men's tennis junior Adam Laitinen. The Conneaut, Ohio native shifted between four different doubles partners en route to a 4-6 overall record in 2019-20, primarily in the No. 3 position. Laitinen accumulated a 4-7 singles record in 2019-20, mostly at the No. 5 spot.
FAVORITES
Opponent: Carthage
Road Trip: Spring break trip to Florida.
Pro Athlete: Baker Mayfield
Pro Team: Cleveland Browns (Future Super bowl LV champs)
College Course: Aircraft and Spacecraft Propulsion
Pastimes: Tennis, golf, snowboarding, and anything else outside.
Book: Mad Game: The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant-Roland Lazenby
TV Show: Designated Survivor
Actor: Paul Walker
Movie: Fast and Furious Series
Singer/Group: NF
Food: Sushi
Restaurant: Volcano Sushi
Video Game: PubG
Vacation Spot: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Mobile App: Venmo (who doesn't love being sent money)
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Why I Chose Illinois Tech: Everything from small class sizes and a high-quality education, to a motivated tennis coach that wants to win. With downtown Chicago just a couple train stops away, there's nowhere I'd rather be.
Strength: Chasing down an extra ball on the court
Weakness: Finishing points at the net
Game Day Ritual: Breakfast, shower and music.
Favorite Memory: Winning the NACC trophy in 2019, and watching the Warriors blow a 3-1 lead to the Cleveland Cavailers in 2016
Best Player I've Ever Faced: Too many to count
Pet Peeve: Lack of respect to those in charge
First Job: I worked at a local funeral home for 4+ years in high school.
Person I'd Like to Meet: Give me 18 holes with Tiger Woods.
What People Don't Know About Me: I tore an ACL after losing a fight with a Jet Ski
Something I Never Leave Home Without: Wallet in the left pocket, cell phone in the right.
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: Instead of not having a dog, I'd be the owner of a Husky.
Plans After Illinois Tech: I hope to one day work with designing commercial airplanes to be faster, yet safer and more efficient. Hopefully I can move somewhere the snow won't follow and get a small airplane of my own.