This week's INTRODUCING ... feature is Hood College junior men's tennis player Phil Yerby, who is the epitomy of an NCAA Division III student-athlete with interests in excelling in academics, athletics and campus student-life.

What is your background in the sport you play?   I started playing tennis when I was 12 years old. The first racket I ever used was a wooden racket my dad had from the 1970’s,

What is your favorite spot on campus?  I love the Whitaker Campus Center. It is the pulse of our school. You can meet up with friends, hold a study group, grab some food or see performances in the Commons.

Other than your team, what organization (s) do you participate in?  I am the Associate Chair for Campus Activities Board. We plan many events for the student population here at Hood. Some events we have held are: movie nights, BINGO, comedy nights and trips to D.C. and New York City.

What is the most important societal issue facing college students?  The biggest societal issue facing college students is the economy. We are in college preparing to join the workforce. Many students worry if there will be jobs when we graduate.

What is your major in college, and what is the most important thing you learned in that discipline?   I am majoring in communication arts with a concentration in public relations and a minor in political science. The most important thing I have learned in my discipline is to have ethics. It is our duty to live and work with the highest standards and ethics.

 Other than your family members, who was the most influential person in your life?  Besides my family the most influential person in my life is Angie Bauman, assistant director of student activities and orientation here at Hood. She has inspired me to go study Student Affairs in graduate school. Through my time working with her I have learned the importance of giving back to my community and leaving a lasting, positive impression on people.

If you could give one piece of advice to elementary school children, what would that advice be?  The biggest piece of advice I could give elementary school children is to always follow your passions. When you follow your passion, you will give it 100% of your time and effort.

What is your favorite form of entertainment?  My favorite form of entertainment is music because no matter what the language it can have a profound effect on people across the world.

 Outside of the Capital Athletic Conference, who or what is your favorite sports person or team?  My favorite sports team is the Washington Redskins. I was born in Washington, D.C., so I have a deep love for the program. Win or lose, they will always be my team.

Name three (3) people, real or fictional, living or dead, that you'd like to have dinner with?    Eleanor Roosevelt, Steve Corell and Venus Williams. I would like to have dinner with Eleanor Roosevelt because she did so much to further the lives and futures of African Americans and women. I'd have dinner with Steve Corell because he is the lead character on my favorite television show "The Office" and I'm sure he would make great dinner conversation. I would have dinner with Venus because I would like to pick her brain to find out her mentality when playing tennis.