Wilkins Garners First Conference Award

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. -- This week Salem State Athletics features the young talented freshman tennis player Quentin Wilkins (Hamilton, Mass). Welkins earned Little East Conference Rookie of the Week after going a perfect 2-0 on Saturday against Western Connecticut. Welkins won in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-1 at No. 4 singles and teamed up with his No. 1 doubles partner Andrew Muttiah (Colombo, Sri Lanka) as they won 8-5. 

This is the second time in two weeks that Vikings' tennis players have earned a conference player of the week award. Last week was Muttiah was named LEC Player of the Week. Welkins was a key part of the Vikings' success over the weekend as they improved 2-0 in Little East conference. 

Wilkins, who started playing tennis in the summer of eighth grade is currently majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Spanish. Wilkins talked about his reaction when he learned he won Little East Conference Rookie of the Week. "I wasn't too shocked, but a little surprised with how short of a week it was and how we didn't have many matches." He also added, "being able to help put up wins for my team give us the match win is what really matters. I want the team to win, not just me," he said.

Wilkins received lots of attention from his teammates and friends. "I've gotten a lot of support from the team and family, especially coach (Chen) Chen. Just the constant reassurance to stay positive and focus while being down has helped give me a boost when I need it most," he said.

He found out the news of his accomplishment by his teammates on social media. "I saw a few of my teammates post it on their stories so that's how I saw," he said. When asked what it means for him to be Rookie of the Week. "It's just a small accomplishment," he said. He added, "sure it's a great start, but the real goal is to win the conference. And if me winning my matches gets us there, then I'm all for it," he said.

Wilkins talked about the pros and cons of being a student athlete. "There are a lot," he said. "Pros: I'd say being able to stay active, having the student body and parents cheering, and being able to play for the school. Cons: would be having to manage time and keeping my body from getting hurt with care," he said.

His mindset is like everyone else on the team, in that the tennis team is focused on winning the whole thing and becoming Little East champion. On his personal goal for the rest of the season, "Just to keep winning as a team, we want to go all the way," he said.

His routine before practice and before a game can vary. "In practice, I try to play with more pace and try new things. In matches it's all about consistency, trying to make sure I make less mistakes," he said. My favorite pre-game meal has to be Chipotle, nothing gets me more fired up," he said.    

Wilkins credits his family, who inspired him to play the game of tennis. "My family inspired me to play, and they helped me improve with each practice," he said. He also adds, "I would like to keep playing, my goal is to teach tennis after college and to continue trying to improve my game." Welkins also has a message to the youth that want to play the game of tennis. "Enjoy it while you've got it. The sport is a gift that we've been given and we should treasure it and enjoy the time we have," he said.