This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former student-athlete Luis Chirinos ('15). Chirinos was a four-year veteran of the men's tennis program. In his senior season, the right-hander recorded six wins in singles and six wins in doubles. In the CUNYAC quarterfinals, Chirinos picked up two victories to propel the Bloodhounds to the semifinals. He won at No. 2 doubles 8-1 and then defeated his opponent in straight sets 6-0, 6-1 at second singles. At John Jay, he was a member of the CUNY Service Corps, Economics and Boxing Club, and Habitat for Humanity. 


1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
After I graduated in 2015, I got a job at Yonkers Tennis Center, where I still remain employed to this day. I have started a non-profit organization since 2017, and it is continuing to grow and pick up momentum. I have taken an interest in traveling, and I have to admit, it is awesome. I love going to new places and taking pictures with my camera. I am still perfecting my photography skills before I start a travel/food review blog (I love writing.)  Reading is great too, since it helps train my brain and I am always looking to learn new things. I am also currently studying for the LSAT, as one of my goals is to go to law school and start my own practice.  

2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I have a few things that I am proud of in no specific order. One of the things I am proud of is that I co-founded a non-profit organization called "Tennis Serving Vets." I am the Director of Tennis and we host events throughout the year in which veterans of all skill levels and ages can come and play organized tennis clinics and games to help with their PTSD, in a safe and social setting. I interviewed our first intern earlier this week, and that makes me happy because it is growing and people are starting to recognize TSV not just locally, but nationwide! Another thing I am proud of is finally going back to my native country of Peru after so many years, and being able to see my family there (and eating the best food in the world, in the best country in the world.). Another thing I am proud of is really working hard at my craft to the point where I am being considered to be the Director of Tennis at a new facility opening up in Texas next year! Lastly, I am proud of always doing self-improvement every day. Life has not been easy, but I am glad that I made it through some cloudy and stormy times. I feel confident in myself and I am where I need to be, and I know that the future is bright. The key is patience, discipline, and hard work.

3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
It's tough to pick one thing, but I would definitely say that the people that I got to meet there, the experiences and lessons I learned across the four years, I would not trade them for anything. I am proud to play for the tennis team, representing the Bloodhounds, being the captain, and making the Dean's List. I bleed blue, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Go Bloodhounds! 
Oh...Also, going to John Jay made me an expert at scheduling and toughing it out. More on that below :D 

4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
I would definitely suggest that you join extracurricular activities such as sports or clubs. I think it is a great way to meet people who share common interests and you might make friends that last a lifetime, plus there is free food for the most part, so there's that. I would also advice that you take advantage of the school's resources and professor's extra help time. The help and guidance you get is invaluable, and it makes you stand out as being very proactive, a trait that is rarer than you might think. Do not be like me and take 20 credits one semester, have an internship, a part-time job in Connecticut, commute from Westchester each way, be in a relationship, and play a sport (all without a car) because you will not know the word sleep....Don't say I did not warn you. Lastly, when in doubt, go to Halal Guys! 
 
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
I learned many things at John Jay, but the one thing is that timing/scheduling is everything. A lot of the people are not only just full-time students, they also have jobs, and have to commute (myself being one). I became an expert at timing things and being able to schedule things with proper planning. These are skills that I take advantage of to this day.

6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I am! I am training this summer to prepare for tennis league play, tournaments, and because it's fun. I swim every week since it is great exercise. I work out every day to stay in shape and I am looking to start playing soccer again. Lastly, I still work in the tennis industry, so I am still very much involved.



2019 Men's Tennis Update:  The men's tennis team graduated five players from 2018 so this year's roster featured four new players. Needing to win their final regular season conference match of the season, the Bloodhounds defeated York College to qualify for the CUNYAC postseason tournament. The squad also picked up victories against Lehman and Western Connecticut State. Junior Ahror Muminov and freshman Terry Park were named conference all-stars. 

To view all of the previous Alumni Spotlights, please visit www.johnjayathletics.com/alumnispotlight. 

 

Follow John Jay Athletics

Website  ~   Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  YouTube