The COVID-19 pandemic put an unexpected and early end to the 2020 spring seasons. As a result, traditional Senior Days were also canceled for spring sports. Please join us in recognizing and honoring our senior student-athletes through the tribute written by their coach below.
Zack Ray came to K College from Ottumwa, Iowa. We would like to acknowledge his parents, Chuck and Brenda Ray. Zack is part of a tennis family, his father Chuck played college tennis at Central College, brother CJ played at Grinnell, and brother Steve played club tennis at Drake. Grandpa Dave was Zack's high school assistant coach as well.
During his four years at K, Zack has thrived in the Kalamazoo College community and has been a leader in the classroom and as a member of our men's tennis team. Zack, you were an outstanding listener, and you spent a lot of time teaching and sharing with your teammates what it means to be elite in the classroom and on the tennis court.
A few of Zack's accomplishments in the classroom were:
3.94 GPA, Major: Economics- 4.00 GPA and Minor: Mathematics- 4.00 GPA
2019 William G Howard Memorial Prize in Social Sciences (senior year)
2018 C. Wallace Lawrence Prize in Economics (junior year)
2017 Irene and S. Kyle Morris Award in Economics (sophomore year)
3-Time ITA All-Academic Team
3-Time MIAA Academic Honor Roll
And on the court Zack was a huge contributor to our Men's Tennis Program:
2020 Team Co-Captain
Career Records:
13-1 MIAA career doubles
38-28 overall doubles record
Undefeated in MIAA in singles play
14-13 overall singles record
Team National Rankings:
2020 #26 National Team Ranking
2019 #29 National Team Ranking
2018 #24 National Team Ranking
2017 #25 National Team Ranking
Zack, as your coach, I thank you for all that you have accomplished as a student-athlete at K. You have always conducted yourself in an exemplary way and been an outstanding role model for your teammates. You have been a considerate, passionate leader and I am certain that you will continue to be a great leader moving forward. Zack, we are confident that you will be "a superstar" in the career path of your choosing.
Thanks, and Go Hornets!!
Coach Riley and your teammates