Carson Oberg, the Rhode Island Division II State Champion, will join the Wolfpack tennis team this season, Loyola’s tennis coach Zubin Engineer announced in early August.

Oberg, a marketing freshman, began playing tennis when he was 8 years old, but said he didn’t begin taking the sport seriously until high school.

“I picked up a racket again in high school and realized I was pretty good at tennis,” Oberg said.

Oberg lost only one match in his high school career with undefeated seasons as a sophomore and junior. He was All-Division for three consecutive seasons at East Greenwich High School in Rhode Island.

So why does a star tennis player travel from Rhode Island to the Big Easy? Oberg said he decided to come to Loyola so that he could play with a good team and actually win.

“I’ve dreamed of playing college tennis, and after Coach Zubin invited me to hit with the team back in February, I fell in love with New Orleans and Loyola,” he said.

Engineer said he is proud to add Oberg to the roster.

“Carson’s experience of being part of a state championship team will help our program. He will be a welcomed addition to our mission in bringing quality student athletes to Loyola,” Engineer said.

While at Loyola, Oberg said he hopes to grab the number one singles spot by senior year.

“I want to get better and be the best tennis player that I can be. The Wolfpack and Coach Zubin are going to make that happen,” Oberg said.

Oberg said that Loyola’s tennis team had a rough past year but has made it his personal goal to help make a name for men’s tennis and prove that the ‘Pack is ready to compete.

“I love Loyola. I love New Orleans and my team. I only wish that our tennis courts weren’t so far away, it makes practicing hard,” he said.

Aside from tennis, Oberg said he hopes to pursue a career in music.

“My older brother is a DJ attending Brown University, and he is my inspiration. I want to promote music acts and find talent,” he said.

After college, Oberg said he will continue to play tennis.

“I’ll still play, maybe become an instructor,” Oberg said. “We’ll see. I’m very optimistic.”

Chelsey Richter can be reached at [email protected]