In this episode of “Bruin to Bruin,” host Aidan Teeger interviews UCLA freshman tennis player Rudy Quan, who discusses his journey from childhood athlete to collegiate competitor and his experience balancing academics with Division I athletics.

Aidan Teeger: Welcome to Bruin, where we connect with UCLA standout students and alumni. Today, we’re joined by Rudy Quan, a key player in UCLA tennis with impressive achievements in both collegiate and national competitions. All right, Rudy Quan, welcome to Bruin to Bruin.

Rudy Quan: Thanks for having me.

AT: Talk to me about tennis. Where did this start for you?

RQ: So my parents put me in a lot of different sports. Probably the first time I picked up a racket was when I was five or six. I played soccer, tennis, baseball, basketball—all the sports. My parents had me try different things, and eventually, tennis stuck with me, along with soccer too. But yeah, tennis was the sport that eventually I grew into, where I chose to commit to it full time. And yeah, here I am.

AT: And what was it about tennis over any of those other sports?

RQ: I think the individuality of it. I like having control of my destiny and the sense of battling—just you versus the other guy. It’s really exciting, with the adrenaline and the fire you feel when you want to compete and win. That’s what gets me excited. So I would say that. And yeah, definitely the individuality and having control of my destiny.

AT: Would you say you’ve got a bit of a sort of competitive temperament overall?

RQ: Internally, yes. I used to be very, I would say too like crazy at times when I was young, but I think I kind of mellowed out and I was able to, I learned how to like, or I’m still learning, but I’ve got a lot better at controlling the emotions and keeping it in, controlling we can control out there and, but knowing when to be fiery and knowing when you need to pump yourself up. So yeah.

AT: And what made you choose to go to UCLA? Why not USC, Cornell?

RQ: My parents both went to UCLA, and I’ve been to plenty of Bruin matches when I was young. I was super young, so I watched all the players like, Mackie (Mackenzie McDonald), Clay Thompson, Brymer (Gage Brymer), Keegan (Keegan Smith), Patrick (Patrick Zahraj)—like, all those guys when I was really young. And yeah, being a Bruin was always something I wanted. When I was super young, I was like, “Yeah, I want to be a Bruin for sure.” And I just have a really good relationship with Rikus, Will, and Coach Billy, so everything worked out, yeah.

AT: You’re a freshman, no?

RQ: Yes, freshman, yes.

AT: Give me the lowdown on how it’s been.

RQ: Oh, very. It was an adjustment, I would say, especially for me socially. I’m really quiet, and I don’t really like to… I like minding my own business and just doing my job. But I meet so many different people out here, so I have to, like—I think socially it’s helped me, like, learn to branch out a little bit, be a bit more open with everyone and, you know, have some fun and everything. And yeah, it’s just been very busy with school, especially trying to balance tennis, trying to do as much as I possibly can, training and everything, but making sure I do my job with school, making sure I study, and making sure all my assignments are done and everything, and making sure I’m, like, learning. So yeah, it’s just very busy, and I’m just trying to stay organized with everything.

AT: Do you think you were prepared for the challenge of having to mix academic responsibilities with athletics?

RQ: I think it’s a learning process for sure. Like, I think I’m doing better, but I think that takes time. High school compared to college is completely different, I feel, but, you know, as long as I feel like I’m putting in the effort, then I feel like I’m definitely learning and getting better with it. I feel like especially this week, I have some midterms going on, so I’ve got to make sure I’m staying organized and just knowing when, like, “OK, Rudy, you need to focus, put tennis aside for a bit and go study.” And then there will be times when I feel like I did my job at school, and I can push myself for tennis. So, yeah. Yeah, I think I’m definitely ready to keep improving on that.

AT: Now, are there any fundamental insights when you’re in one of those challenging periods, like midterms, you also just had a tournament that you started, where you’ve kind of just got to lock in. What do you think to yourself, when you, like you said, you want to be able to focus on what makes sense at the time? What goes through your mind? How do you sort of rein yourself in?

RQ: I think just knowing, like, communication is key. Obviously, when I go to a tournament, I’ve got to let my professors know, like, “Hey, I’m not going to be at school,” and everything – just letting them know. But also, like, when I’m at the tournament, having in the back of my mind what I need to get done for school. At the same time, once I’m at the tournament, it’s like, “OK, you’ve got to prepare the best you can for tennis. You can’t be worrying about school and everything.” I feel like when you’re trying to multitask, you’re not going to do your very best at what you’re trying to do, and it’s just going to be too many variables in your head. So I think just trying to know like, knowing when to put different things aside and then tackling them one at a time. That’s very important, especially for balancing academics and tennis.

AT: Right. It seems like that’s an insight that takes a lot of D1 athletes at least a couple quarters to come to.

RQ: Yeah.

AT: So good on you for getting that sorted early. College has a way of holistically shaping a person beyond just their sport. What are some personal goals you’ve set UCLA, whether in academics, new experiences or connections?

RQ: I think it’s to try and meet more people, I would say. And try to just be a bit more social with new people. Like I said, I’m not really very talkative, and I like being by myself, so I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone socially, especially. Just trying to experience new things outside of just tennis and school. And I think that’s probably, like, socially, for me that’s kind of what I’ve been learning and trying to get better at every day. So yeah, I would say that.

AT: And who is Rudy outside of tennis and school?

RQ: He’s just a chill guy like…

AT: Hobbies?

RQ: I like making music. I watch a lot of Sacramento Kings games. I love playing 2K and I like watching soccer, playing soccer still. And yeah, just just a guy who just wants to relax, have his me time. And, just a very chill and nice guy.

AT: You grew up in California, didn’t you?

RQ: Yes. I lived in Sacramento and then moved to Thousand Oaks when I was 12.

AT: And is it that when you got into tennis?

RQ: No, so when I grew up in Sacramento, I already played tennis, but my mom had a job transfer. We moved out here and my coach lived in SoCal already, so it worked out. So it was perfect. And yeah.

AT: And do you still speak to any of your old coaches, old mentors, even though you’re now dealing with a new crowd of staff at UCLA?

RQ: Yes, I do. I think it’s important because they’re still a big part … they’re a big part of your life and the reason why you got to where you got, I think every person has a reason being in your life at whether it’s a long period of time or it’s a short period of time. But I think just trying to make sure you keep reconnecting with those people and checking on them. Because I think that’s important because you build a bond and I don’t really personally, I don’t really want to like, that bond to go away just because I’m not like, they’re not my coach anymore or I don’t see them a lot. So I think just making sure that checking on them and just you know, having a good friendship with them, that’s important.

AT: And is there one person you credit with leading you through the trials and tribulations of getting involved with competitive sports early in your life? Mentor that sort of stands, stands out among the rest?

RQ: Definitely my dad. My dad’s been with me for, he’s been on this sports journey with me since I was five. And he’s the reason I’m where I’m at. And he’s the reason why I continue to push myself to be the best I can be and to be the best. And yeah, it’s just, we’ve been through a lot together. A lot of ups and downs with this, with tennis and life and just a lot of trials and tribulations. But he’s the one who’s been just continuing to push me and just be the very best I can be and just, look at things I can improve on as a, obviously as a tennis player, but also as a person. And I wouldn’t be at UCLA without him for sure.

AT: Did your dad play tennis?

RQ: No, he played basketball varsity basketball and football in high school, but that was it. He never got into tennis. Kind of tennis was… never got into it. Yeah.

AT: But he did go to UCLA after that. So did he end up playing basketball?

RQ: No. He got in on his own. Got in his own on his own.

AT: Very multi, multifaceted family. It sounds like everyone’s good at a lot of different things.

RQ: Yeah, my mom… my mom didn’t exactly play sports, but she knew a lot about sports, like basketball, and she had a lot of knowledge about that. But my dad was definitely more of the athlete in our family, I would say. My mom has been great with making sure I stay on top of my schoolwork and a lot of different life stuff, just making sure I’m organized with everything and prepared for being an adult, basically. And I think she’s done a great job with that. She’s been a very comforting rock in my life, and she continues to be that, even while I’m in college. I really miss her. I haven’t seen her in a while. I probably should go visit her. But yeah, she’s just been great with that. And yeah, just a great rock for me.

AT: That’s awesome. Just to segway very quickly, you’ve done a lot of travel for tournaments, a lot being the operative word, but a good amount, would you say that’s right?

RQ: Yes, I have been traveling a lot for tournaments, yes.

AT: Can you pick out one of the most interesting things you’ve learned from doing that?

RQ: In the sense of for school, or…?

AT: For anything. You’ve got to travel long distances. Has anything interesting or even bizarre happened that you can recall?

RQ: I think the interesting thing for me is, like, traveling with a group. A good example is Tulsa. Usually, when you’re a tennis player, you’re by yourself. It’s just you, with tunnel vision. But when you’re with a bunch of guys, you’re not alone, and you’re all going into battle together. Like, “Hey, we’re going to do this thing. We’re going to beat this school.” We were all supporting each other out there, and it just turns into a really good bonding experience. I think that’s one of the cooler experiences I’ve had because, as a tennis player, it’s usually very individual and kind of a selfish sport. But when you’re out there with the guys, you really bond with them, and you really want them to do well, and you have fun doing that. All the team dinners, just watching them play—it creates a really good bond. Especially because we’re going to need that for the season, when we’re going to try and do something special this year. We’re going to need each other’s backs. So, I think that’s probably the most interesting thing for me right now.

AT: And given the individual nature of the sport, I know you just said that when you guys are traveling, everyone really gets along. It feels like a very team, communal atmosphere. But when it comes down to the court, do you ever notice any sort of competitive friction with the other players? Because you’ll all probably be ranked on some level with respect to each other, right? Individual rankings—is that a thing? Or is it all just super amicable?

RQ: To be honest, I don’t really worry about the rankings. For me, it’s just about doing my job out there and getting better. I’m going to control what I can control, and the rankings will take care of themselves. As long as I’m improving my game, the wins will come, the rankings will come. Everything will turn out fine as long as I’m pushing myself and trying to be the best I can be. As long as I prepare correctly, everything will be OK, even if the result doesn’t go my way. It’s about trusting the process. I feel like being too result-oriented and looking at rankings and ratings is just an illusion. Once you stop worrying about that and focus on the actual game and your process, that’s when you really get better. So, to answer your question, I just don’t really worry about that.

AT: That’s great. I think that’s a really solid approach. Could you run me through practice at UCLA, practice schedules for athletes and for you as a whole? What is, how intense is it?

RQ: Yeah, it’s very busy, very busy. So usually, we have our team practice from 12 or 12:30 to 3, and in the mornings, I have classes—like, for me on Monday, I usually have classes from around 8 to 11. So I have to do that, and then, depending on how I feel, I try to get an early practice in before my 8 a.m. classes, maybe on my own or with a teammate. After classes, I have to go get rehab and treatment, and then actual practice starts. Once you’re done with that, you do your fitness, and then after that, you’ve got to do your recovery. Sometimes later, I have tutoring and maybe one more lecture to go to, and then, after I’m done with that, I might want to get an extra practice in on my own. So yeah, everything’s hustling and bustling. It’s very, very busy, but I think that’s what makes it fun. Especially if you want to keep getting better, you’ve got to be willing to keep pushing and do the extra things, for sure.

AT: That’s like a never ending boot camp for the average person, a schedule like that.

RQ: Yeah, it is, honestly, like the days really blur by, Especially when you’re, every hour it feels like you’re doing something which is fun, but it gets very tiring at times.

AT: Sounds like you all doing something at every hour.

RQ: Yeah, literally. It’s like that and you go to sleep and you do it again. But I think that’s what it takes.

AT: Do you think the facilities at UCLA, the resources, the coaches, the staff – do you think they make that process as smooth as possible?

RQ: For sure. Everyone’s really flexible, and Coach Billy is really good with communication—you can talk to him about anything. You can let him know, “Hey, maybe I’m a bit tired today,” and he’s totally good with it. He doesn’t force you to do anything. It really depends on you; he’s not going to push you to do anything, but if you want to do extra work, he won’t stop you. Our PT, Mark, has also done a great job helping me with my treatment and communicating about different exercises I may need to do on the road, especially to stay healthy. Yeah, it’s just been great. It’s been great. Obviously, it’s very busy, but everything’s been going as smoothly as possible, for sure.

AT: Fantastic. And are there any big tournaments, events, games on the horizon that you’re looking forward to?

RQ: Definitely Indian Wells. I got into a wild card because I won the junior event at Indian Wells in March, so I got a wild card in the qualies.

AT: Oh congrats.

RQ: Thanks, and yeah, I’m really looking forward to that. I just want to hopefully stay healthy and show the world what I can do out there. I think it’s definitely going to be a really fun tournament for me because a lot of my family can come watch. During that week, we’re playing SC, I think, so it’s going to be a fun week for everyone.

AT: You’re playing where?

RQ: I think we’re playing SC during that week, too. They might come watch SC, and then I’m off to Indian Wells, so it’ll be a really crazy week. But that’s what makes it fun.

AT: When does Indian Wells start?

RQ: I think early March. Early March or might be late Feb. I’m not 100 percent sure on that.

AT: Early March, late Feb. Okay. So you’ve got a little bit to prepare.

RQ: Exactly. Yeah. Yeah. So just got to keep working keep keep pushing through

AT: Keep doing what you’re doing,

RQ: Yeah, exactly.

AT: All right. We’re going to wrap up shortly. Very quickly, I’d like you to think about this one. What are some key insights you can give to members of the UCLA cohort who may be interested in competitive athletics, maybe in competitive academics – they may have a rigorous schedule to manage, like what you’re doing. What advice can you give them that, even if it’s a summary of what we’ve already gone over, really boils down to the core insights?

RQ: I think, personally, for me, just having a plan and attacking one thing at a time is key. Like I said, I feel like multitasking isn’t good because you don’t do your best quality work that way. Just having a list of what you want to accomplish during the day helps. For example, I’ll decide, “OK, I’m going to work on A, B, and C,” and maybe in the afternoon, I’ll do one of those again. That’s how I approach my tennis. Especially when you’re trying to improve, you have a lot of things to work on, but making sure you have a priority—maybe just two or three things you really want to focus on and get done—is essential. Then you can keep working on those and, once completed, move on to the next things. Just being able to prioritize and simplify into smaller blocks makes everything feel more manageable, rather than monumental. So, yeah, just try to work on prioritizing the main things you want to accomplish, and once those are done, move on to the next. Simplifying it into smaller building blocks, for sure.

AT: You’re breaking your day down in your mind and putting it into these smaller segments that you just tackle one at a time instead of being overwhelmed by the whole thing.

RQ: Exactly. You have your priority things that you want to do, and once you feel like you’ve done those, then you can tackle the next couple of things you want to get to. If there’s a little extra time, you can fit in something additional. So yeah, that’s how I try to tackle my day, especially with my schedule.

AT: Gotcha. And just to end very quickly, what is the master plan for your time at UCLA tennis, in academics? Are you planning on going pro? What’s the idea?

RQ: My dream, what I really want, is to go pro for sure. That’s obviously the end goal, and I want to see how far I can go with the sport – maybe be the best in the world, you never know. But right now, I just want to keep working on my game, pushing myself, and working on the things I need to improve. Then, once January hits, as a team, we’re going to try to do something special this year and hopefully bring home a national title, which I think we can do. We have a really good group of guys, and I think it’ll be a really fun year. But yeah, I think the end goal for me is definitely to go professional and see how far I can push myself in the sport. I really love playing, and I feel like I’m playing at a good level and have what it takes to do it. I also feel there are so many things I can still work on. As long as I keep pushing myself and controlling what I can control out there, I feel good. As for school, I’m probably going to major in psychology, though I’m not completely sure yet. That’s probably the direction I’m leaning towards. While I’m here, I want to make sure I get my requirements done. But for sure, my dream is definitely to play professional tennis.

AT: Listen, from where I’m sitting, it sounds like you’re on a really solid trajectory. I’m trying, for sure. Anyway, Rudy, I really appreciate you coming on. I wish you all the success in the world. I think it’s going to be a really great career here at UCLA for you. I wish you nothing but the best.

RQ: Thanks for having me.

AT: If you enjoyed that conversation with Rudy and are curious to hear from a litany of other UCLA students and alumni, then why don’t you head over to Daily Bruin Podcasts on Spotify and follow Daily Bruin Podcasts on Instagram to be notified whenever a new episode is published.