Athlete of the Week: Simon Vernier ’19

Last Sunday, Vernier, the team’s third singles player, pulled out a huge win against #38 Stevens Tech, clinching Swarthmore’s team victory 5-4. After dropping the first set, Vernier responded with vengeance. He won the second set 6-1 and third 6-3, sealing the match. On Tuesday against Ursinus, the Merion Station, Pa., native picked up right where he left off. At first doubles, he and Mark Fallati ’18 won 8-4 and, in singles, he cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 victory.
MAX KASSAN: What is your major, and what influenced you to pursue it?  
SIMON VERNIER: I’m pursuing a major in economics because I wanted a major that was both qualitative and quantitative. Additionally, I never took economics in high school, but I was always interested in international current events. In that respect, economics is satisfying in that it provides theoretical and practical answers to international issues.
MK: What is your favorite Swarthmore athletics memory?
SV: Definitely beating Johns Hopkins and Mary Washington at home last year. It had been a long time since we had beaten either of those teams, so to be able to win close matches in back-to-baCk days against regional rivals was a great experience.
MK: What’s it like having your brother (Thomas Vernier ’17) on the team?
SV: It’s been a lot of fun. He’s always helped me with my tennis, and it has definitely been a cool experience that has brought us closer together.
MK: You played fourth singles last year. What did you learn from your experience on the court last season?
SV: I learned that regardless of your spot in the lineup, you’ll have to play tough opponents and that you always have to be ready to bring the same energy and focus to every match. The upperclassmen on this team have always done a good job of instilling this mentality in the freshmen.
MK: What are your expectations heading into Conference season?  
SV: Our expectations are to host the Centennial Conference championships and to qualify for NCAA’s. That has been our goal all season, and I think we’re capable of achieving it.