When Adam McKnight arrived at Waynesburg University as a computer technology major four years ago, he did so with intentions of playing a collegiate sport after being brought in by the previous men’s tennis coach.

“I actually found Waynesburg because of the fact that [former head coach Ron Christman] was holding a tennis tournament that caught my attention,” said McKnight. “After I played in it, he decided to give me a tour of the school and that’s why I decided to come and play here. The first two years were definitely something to remember. My freshman year it was all so surreal to me being a part of a college team and it was a year I will always remember.”

Shortly after the start to his collegiate career, McKnight heard of the Department of Communication and was interested in learning more about it.

“I originally came here to major in computer technology, and in the second part of my freshman year, I realized it wasn’t working for me,” said McKnight. “[As a result of] some contacts that I got to know, I got a tour of the communications department and was able to meet some of the teachers and that is how I was able to get involved in public relations, which is my major right now.”

McKnight doesn’t regret the decision to change his major.

“One good thing about [Waynesburg] is that you know everyone in your major very well,” said McKnight. “We all know each other [in the Department of Communication] like the back of our hands and I think that is really cool.”

Student athletes experience a variety of changes during college. Not only did McKnight deal with a change in his major during the second semester of his senior year, but also a coaching change on the tennis court. Before the start of McKnight’s junior year, Ron Headlee took over as the new men’s head tennis coach.

“It was a change for the better, I always found myself at odds with our former coach,” said McKnight. “I definitely think coach Headlee has been an improvement. It also helps that he knows the guys that I know in Morgantown who I trained with for the better part of ten years.”

Despite the changes that McKnight faced during his years at Waynesburg, Headlee has found that McKnight has remained the same.

“Since I’ve been here [as tennis coach] for two years, one word [to describe McKnight] would be steady,” said Headlee. “I think that he is going to give you the same every day. He gives you a good effort and I think his shots are good and stays in the points just as long as anyone else.”

According to Headlee, McKnight has been a fit into the team well and enjoys the community atmosphere of Waynesburg.

“He keeps loose and is able to kid around with the guys and I think that everybody respects him and tries to do their best for him,” said Headlee. “He’s just a really great team player.”

Headlee believes one of McKnight’s best attributes is in what he is picking up his degree in, which is communication.

“He’s always letting me know things, texting me, calling me and letting me know if he’s going to be late,” said Headlee. “He has great communication skills and I think out on the court he’s going to give it his all and I appreciate that part.”

Moving into the spring and summer, McKnight plans to work while searching for a permanent job in the field of public relations.

“I want to try and go right into the work field,” said McKnight. “I don’t plan to go to graduate school. I actually have already had a few interviews for real marketing jobs, but the good news is that right after [graduation] I’m going to stick with my part time job in Morgantown until I find something a little more permanent.”

Headlee believes that McKnight will find success down the road in life and his job field. He has also enjoyed the leadership that he has provided to the men’s tennis team.

“It’s been great to have the opportunity to work with him,” said Headlee. “He’s going to do well and I’m going to miss him next year as the steady guy that’s always been there. He’s been a big help and chips in whenever he can.”