“The saying is ‘The third time’s a charm,’” he said. “But my hope is that multiples of three work a little better.”

If there’s a name that ever belonged with the likes of great underdogs, it’s definitely Elliot Rosenberg ’08. Rosenberg has been flying under the radar for the past six years; his story is one of dedication, hard work and disappointment.

 However, Rosenberg still has one more shot to make the Wolverine tennis team as a senior. Since the seventh grade, Rosenberg has tried out for the tennis team every year and has been turned away by the coaches.

“Every year, the disappointment of not making the team has only made me work harder,” Rosenberg said.

“My friends have always backed me up and have been there to cheer me up every time I’ve been cut. This year I have so many people pulling for me because it’s my last year that it’s hard not to stay motivated.”

One of those people, Mark Seraydarian ’08, has spent several hours training with Elliot and giving him advice.

“Elliot never gives up, and that’s pretty admirable,” Seraydarian said. “We’re all pulling for him; he has such a likable personality.”

As a senior, Rosenberg has ratcheted up his dedication. His training consists of three sessions a week, one with his private coach. He has looked forward to this spring for the last 11 months.

“The coaches always say that one of the most important things in tennis is determination,” Seraydarian said. “Elliot has tried out all six years and that should count for something.”
Through practice, Rosenberg has learned about himself, tennis and life.