Senior Aries Wong verbally committed to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis to play tennis after a visit Oct. 13.

Wong is ranked third on the top 100 players list for the state of Maryland and 25 in the  Middle Atlantic. He turned down offers from Lehigh University, George Mason University and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

“One reason I chose the Naval Academy is because of how much stronger a person I will be if I can stick through it,” he said. “In addition to the benefits of free tuition and a great education, graduating as an officer comes with a sense of honor and pride that is difficult to gain anywhere else.”

Other options at the Naval Academy that attracted Wong included opportunities to study aviation, submarines and surface warfare. Wong has visited the Naval Academy three times before and enjoys the beautiful campus right on the Chesapeake Bay. However, the tennis team itself was what ultimately attracted Wong to Navy.

“The Navy tennis team  appealed to me because they are all great guys and strong players who will help me bring my game to the next level,” Wong said.

According to the United States Naval Academy website, all students have to “serve as a commissioned officer in the Navy or Marine Corps, and serve on active duty for at least five years immediately upon graduation.” Wong is excited for his five-year service plan.

“Although very far down the road, I’m excited knowing that as an officer I’ll be in a great position, and I’ll be able to make my own impact in serving the country no matter how big or small,” he said.

After Wong’s five years of service, he does not plan to continue competing in the game of tennis.

“I won’t be playing tennis after the Academy during my five years of service, but afterwards I can see myself still very interested in the game,” Wong said. “I will likely be playing recreationally and hopefully even coaching a little on the side.”

Wong heavily contributed on and off to the Viking tennis team throughout his four year tenure. However, Wong’s aspirations will now shift to the Naval Academy, where he will dedicate a large portion of time and commitment.

“I’m most excited for the new experiences I will have at the Academy and all the new people I’ll interact with,” he said. “I will experience situations I have never seen before, and I’m looking forward to seeing the whole new world that the Midshipmen live in.”