Mary Washington senior Randy Loden, a three-time first-team All-CAC men's tennis player and the 2008 conference Player of the Year, is highlighted this week in the CAC INTRODUCING ... feature.

What is your background in the sport you play?  I have been playing tennis since I was 7 or 8.  My entire family played the sport so I picked it up pretty quickly.  In high school I was fortunate enough to be on a great team with a great tradition at Mills Godwin, in Richmond, Va.  We won the team state championship three times.  At Mary Washington I have been part of a great team with a lot of talented teammates. I have been a singles and doubles All-American and as a team we have reached the NCAA tournament every year, and last year reaching the Final 8.

What is your favorite spot on campus?  The campus walk between classes is my favorite spot because our campus is beautiful and between classes you see a lot of people.

Other than your team, what organization(s) do you participate in?  I am a member of the UMW Student Athletic Activities Committee.  I attend weekly meetings.  I used to referee IM games and events, but now I just play in IM games.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  Probably balancing a heavy academic workload, athletic commitments and still having a healthy social life.  I feel I have done a pretty good job of that at Mary Washington.  I feel pretty balanced, but it as been a challenge at times.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?  Business Administration - I have received a solid liberal arts background while also receiving a top-notch business education.

Other than your family members, who were the most influential person in your life?  High school coach Tom Hoy (he as won 17 Virginia state championships) and college coach Todd Helbling.  Coach Hoy taught me to trust my abilities,  relax when things were tough and to have fun when things were going well.  Coach Helbling taught me that hard work really does pay off.  My freshman year, I thought I was going to be able to coast and still get the results I wanted.  Since my sophomore year, he taught me to really take pride in the team and myself and the results followed. 

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  Enjoy it because you have no responsiblities. 

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  I enjoy going to concerets with friends from home, or just listening to music in general.

Outside of the Captial Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  Rafael Nadal.  He has accomplished so much at such a young age.  He could turn out to be one of the greats if not the greatest of all.  He tries extremely hard, he is good and seems pretty humble.

Name three people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with.  Leonardo Da Vinci, Bob Marley, Milton Friedman.  I would think all three have a very different outlook on the world and it would interesting to see where they agree and disagree.