Colton Malesovas will pursue his academic and athletic goals at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington. After extensively researching colleges all over the country, Colton confidently concluded that Whitman was the place for him.

“I decided that a small liberal arts school with very strong academics and a respectable and ranked D-3 tennis program were the most important qualities,” Colton said. “Once I knew what I was looking for, I was able to narrow it down.”

Colton Whitman

Colton first heard about Whitman when his college councelor suggested it as a good fit for his academic desires. He also looked into Pomona College, Claremont-McKenna, Washington & Lee and Sewanee.

“Coach Jeff Northam’s attitude and commitment towards recruiting me as a player ultimately set Whitman apart,” Colton said. “Once I took my visit to the school, I was completely sold. Both Coach Northam and his entire team were extremely welcoming and made me feel right at home in a place that is very, very far from my own home. “

Whitman is an independent liberal arts and sciences undergraduate college in the scenic southeastern corner of Washington. It has an enrollment of 1450 students, with a 9:1 student to teacher ratio. 

“They have an extremely modern and extensive science department that allows pre-meds and science majors to do in depth studies as undergrads,” Colton said. “Because Whitman is only a college and has no post-grad programs, kids are able to do research along side their professors as early as freshman year. I’m really looking forward to taking advantage of that rare opportunity.”

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The Whitman men’s tennis team finished last season with a 20-4 record and ranked 20th in the nation. The have a 3-2 record to start the 2011 season, with their home opener this Saturday.

“Whitman has a competitive team that finished the year with a good ranking in D-3, so I’m really excited to come in, play in the lineup, and improve the team,” Colton said.

Colton explained that his time at ATA has prepared him for any challenge he may face while in college; that the demanding schedule and support system taught him to get through difficult times in tennis, and he will be able to apply that to what he faces going forward.

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“I’ve learned how to fight through problems both physically and mentally to the best of my ability because of ATA,” Colton said. “I’ve also learned how to balance my time around a tough practice schedule through ATA. The rigorous training schedule coupled with my tough workload at St. Stephen’s has been a REALLY big challenge at times, and I’ve had to make adjustments in order to achieve a level of success that I am comfortable with. I know that Whitman will challenge me in both academics and athletics, but I also realize that it won’t be a new challenge. In a way, I’ve already done it.”