
Q & A: Payam Ahmadi
4/3/2020 11:11:00 AM | Men's Tennis
Payam Ahmadi is a senior on the men's tennis team from Reston, Va. He is a media major with a law and public policy minor. A regular part of the Hoosiers doubles lineup this spring, Ahmadi teamed up with Patrick Fletchall to go 5-3 in dual matches at the No. 3 doubles position.
Where are you at right now?
Currently, I've been staying in Bloomington because the corona situation has been hitting the east coast hard. I'm able to pack up and take the time to process this whole transition, especially because I'm graduating in a month or so.
How are you interacting with your teammates?
I'm lucky that I live with my teammates so I am able to see them a lot and we do pretty much everything together. We only leave the house for essentials like meals or groceries, but occasionally we step out of the house because the quarantine life is tough to master.
What are you doing for workouts?
I've been running long distances outside to stay in shape and pass by the tennis center or assembly hall just to make sure I can take it all in before I leave this place.

What advice would you give your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
Take it day by day. It's a very difficult time in the world right now, but I think it's a big wake-up call that things out of our own control can affect our lives through no fault of our own. We need to reach out to our friends and loved ones to stay connected and get through this global pandemic. At the end of the day, we have to stay up to date with the news on the crisis, but we have to enjoy being around people that are important to us. We are going to get through this.
What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the court?
I'm looking forward to leaving my house comfortably and not seeing people wearing face masks or stores closed down. I hope to take a break from Netflix and enjoy dining in at restaurants or going over to my friends' houses.
How has the adjustment gone to online classes?
It's definitely hard to switch to the online mode all of a sudden, but it seems that the professors and IU administration are extremely understanding of the situation that the students are in currently.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
It's hard to find the motivation, but I can see the finish line in May when I graduate so I am pushing through as hard as I can. Law school in the fall is on my mind a lot and I want to move forward to the new journey.
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
Only two of my roommates are sticking around with me, but we are trying to make the most of it with movies, shows, workouts, dinners, games, and other activities to get us through this crazy time in the world. Taking it day by day right now because that's all anyone can really do.
What shows are you watching?
I'm a huge Friends fan, but it got taken off Netflix so I have been scavenging to find a show to watch. After a lot of weird movies and shows recommended by my friends, I was able to land on All American as my new show to watch and I think it's unbelievably good. Highly recommend to anyone that is looking for a show!
What is your major and what are your future career plans?
I'm currently a media major with a law and public policy minor. I'm planning to attend Santa Clara Law School next fall and I couldn't be more excited to the next step in my future. It's going to be a difficult transition to a whole new area, but I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead and I'm able to live my dream in California.
Where are you at right now?
Currently, I've been staying in Bloomington because the corona situation has been hitting the east coast hard. I'm able to pack up and take the time to process this whole transition, especially because I'm graduating in a month or so.
How are you interacting with your teammates?
I'm lucky that I live with my teammates so I am able to see them a lot and we do pretty much everything together. We only leave the house for essentials like meals or groceries, but occasionally we step out of the house because the quarantine life is tough to master.
What are you doing for workouts?
I've been running long distances outside to stay in shape and pass by the tennis center or assembly hall just to make sure I can take it all in before I leave this place.
What advice would you give your fellow Hoosiers during this time?
Take it day by day. It's a very difficult time in the world right now, but I think it's a big wake-up call that things out of our own control can affect our lives through no fault of our own. We need to reach out to our friends and loved ones to stay connected and get through this global pandemic. At the end of the day, we have to stay up to date with the news on the crisis, but we have to enjoy being around people that are important to us. We are going to get through this.
What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the court?
I'm looking forward to leaving my house comfortably and not seeing people wearing face masks or stores closed down. I hope to take a break from Netflix and enjoy dining in at restaurants or going over to my friends' houses.
How has the adjustment gone to online classes?
It's definitely hard to switch to the online mode all of a sudden, but it seems that the professors and IU administration are extremely understanding of the situation that the students are in currently.
What gives you encouragement and motivation during this time?
It's hard to find the motivation, but I can see the finish line in May when I graduate so I am pushing through as hard as I can. Law school in the fall is on my mind a lot and I want to move forward to the new journey.
What is something you and your family are doing to pass the time?
Only two of my roommates are sticking around with me, but we are trying to make the most of it with movies, shows, workouts, dinners, games, and other activities to get us through this crazy time in the world. Taking it day by day right now because that's all anyone can really do.
What shows are you watching?
I'm a huge Friends fan, but it got taken off Netflix so I have been scavenging to find a show to watch. After a lot of weird movies and shows recommended by my friends, I was able to land on All American as my new show to watch and I think it's unbelievably good. Highly recommend to anyone that is looking for a show!
What is your major and what are your future career plans?
I'm currently a media major with a law and public policy minor. I'm planning to attend Santa Clara Law School next fall and I couldn't be more excited to the next step in my future. It's going to be a difficult transition to a whole new area, but I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead and I'm able to live my dream in California.
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