Posted: Apr 16, 2020

Salem State Celebrates D3 Week: Chen Chen '19

Division III Week is a positive opportunity for all individuals associated with Division III to observe and celebrate the impact of athletics and of student-athletes on the campus and surrounding community. During the week, every Division III school and conference office is encouraged to conduct a type of outreach activity that falls into one of three categories: academic accomplishment; athletic experience; or leadership/community service/campus involvement.

Salem State continues its celebration of Division III Week with a featured spotlight on former men's tennis player, Chen Chen '19. Chen, who was the 2019 John D. Galaris Scholar-Athlete Award recipient, graduated with a degree in Business Administration and is currently an accounts payable specialist with Eastport Real Estate Services in Wakefield, Mass.

Chen was a four-year member and two-time captain of the Salem State men's tennis team. He earned first and second team All-Little East Conference honors in both singles and doubles three times in his career. Chen helped lead Salem State to their second Little East Conference Tournament Championship in 2018 and his 29 doubles wins currently rank second all-time in program history.

Why SSU?

"Salem State provided a cost-effective education in the fields I was interested in studying, math and accounting. SSU has great programs for both majors, and when I visited SSU during my senior year in high school, I noticed they had a tennis program. I was not sure if I was good enough to play college tennis, but I tried out and I am proud that I played for the SSU tennis team all four years in college. "Never know what you can do until you try."

My best memories from SSU?

"My best memories from SSU were playing tennis, meeting a group of good people on campus and working in the Athletics Department. First, twice being named a tennis captain and helping the tennis team win the LEC in 2018 are the greatest memories. Secondly, I met James Maring during my freshman year and we were roommates for all four years at SSU. Finally, I am glad that I found a good and stable place to work on campus. Joe Beitz, the Director of Sports Information was a great mentor for four years."

What does it mean to be a Viking?

"To be a Viking is an honor and a privilege. It was a pleasure that I could represent SSU as a Viking when I went to compete against other schools on the court. The (Vikings) on the uniform gave me motivation to win and never give up if I failed. I am also thankful for the opportunities I received at SSU. Being selected tennis captain (twice), working for the athletics department, earning the Galaris Internship and Scholar-Athlete Award all had a positive impact on my experience and provided a solid foundation for my future."

What are your post-graduation goals?

"My post-graduation goals are working consistently in the field that I am in, which is accounting and also keeping myself busy with the SSU tennis program. I had a successful tennis career as a player, and now I want to continue the journey as a coach. I found a position at a great company, allowing me to gain experience in the field of accounting and providing the flexibility to work as an assistant coach with the SSU tennis program."

How did the Galaris Internship prepare you for your career?

"The Galaris internship provided the opportunity to learn event planning and how to work in an office environment. I provided organizational assistance for the VeSPY Awards and this event helped prepare me to use various Microsoft programs. These are most important tools in the business world and I am using Microsoft programs daily in my accounting career right now."

Any plans to continue playing or coaching tennis?

"As I mentioned, I will keep playing tennis and I am helping the SSU men's tennis program as an assistant coach. Tennis is key in motivating me to stay active. I am excited and look forward to helping my former tennis teammates in a new role."