Stillness doesn’t appeal to David Hong, who describes himself as constantly restless.
Although he has a calm, easygoing personality, Hong craves action. Whether he is playing tennis or basketball, break dancing or taking photos, the soft-spoken senior makes the most of his time at Jackson
High School.
Representing half of Jackson’s undefeated No. 1 doubles boys tennis unit, Hong is having a memorable season on the court for the Timberwolves, who have won 48 consecutive league meets over the past three years.
Even though Hong lives a fast-paced life, he slows down every once in awhile to appreciate his success.
Coach’s corner
Hong’s best skill is quickness, Jackson tennis coach David Hutt said: “I would say he may be the quickest player we have on the team.” Hong possesses other valuable abilities too. “He does an excellent job making the simple adjustment in a match,” said Hutt. “He is willing to lob or hit away if needed.”
Healthy habit
Hong started playing tennis at the Mill Creek Country Club when he was 8. The sport still has a firm grip on him, for many reasons. “It’s something that a lot of my friends do,” Hong said, “and it’s something that I happen to be good at — not too good, but it’s something I can just enjoy and play on a (competitive) level.” There are also other benefits, he said: “It keeps me healthy and keeps me busy and keeps me out of bad stuff.”
Double trouble
Although he grew up playing singles, Hong switched to doubles his sophomore year at Jackson and has been a valuable member of the T-wolves’ powerful team. There are pros and cons to both singles and doubles, he said. “It’s less pressure on myself when I play singles. You don’t want to mess up for your doubles partner, especially because in my case my partner is better than me,” said Hong, smiling. Fortunately, Hong and his usual doubles partner, junior James Okubo, work well together. In fact, they are unbeaten this season. “We don’t really have to talk much, but we understand each other,” Hong said of his connection with Okubo.
Back from the brink
When he was younger, Hong rooted for pro tennis player Andy Roddick, but now Hong’s favorite pro is less-heralded pro James Blake. Hong was won over by Blake’s autobiography, Breaking Back: How I Lost Everything and Won Back My Life. The book details Blake’s recovery from a broken back, the death of his father and his fight against a rare virus. “He overcame a lot of adversity,” Hong said.
Bust a move
In addition to playing tennis, Hong loves playing basketball. He also has experience in a less-mainstream activity: break dancing. He was in a break dance club during his freshman year and learned how challenging the moves can be. “You kind of have to be born with it,” Hong said about what it takes to be a good break dancer. “You just need a burst in your system or something.”
Shutterbug
Hong enjoys learning about biology and chemistry. He also has an artistic side and has taken two photography classes. Some of Hong’s best photos — including shots of break dancers and other athletes — were selected for the Jackson school yearbook.
Floor it
A fan of high-octane action movies, Hong saw “Fast Five” (2011) twice in theaters this summer. It’s the best movie so far in the popular “The Fast and the Furious” franchise about street racers, Hong said. “I’m excited for the next one,” he added.
What’s for dinner?
Hong’s two favorite types of food are Thai — especially pad Thai, a tasty stir-fried noodle dish — and Hawaiian. At home, he likes cooking Hawaiian-style eggs with Spam and rice.
Be like Mike
If he could meet anyone in the world, Hong would sit down with NBA legend Michael Jordan. Said Hong, “I just want to know what made him click and how he became so good.”
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