Accomplished. That would be the best way to describe the four years that senior Jay Horrey has spent on Wabash’s campus. The New Albany native had an immediate impact both in the classroom and on the tennis court from the start of his freshman year.
A regular on the dean’s list throughout his eight semesters, Horrey ranks in the top fifteen of his senior class while handling the rigors of a double major in economics and political ccience, carrying an impressive 3.73 GPA. Along with Horrey’s academic workload, he also is well immersed in the extra-curricular scene on campus, serving as President of both the Wabash College Democrats and the Student Athletic Committee.
"I have really enjoyed my four years here. Wabash really let’s you become yourself with all that is available to you," Horrey said. "I have been able to do so many things: study abroad, travel with the tennis team, get internships through the career center. It has all been very rewarding."
While Horrey’s academic and educational successes have set quite a high standard, his dominance on the tennis court has been equally impressive. There was little doubt that he would have a large impact on the Wabash tennis program after completing a freshman season that included the individual season singles record for wins (25). Three years later, the senior captain is well on his way to ending his career holding all four of the major individual season and career records for Wabash tennis. Being one- dimensional has never been an option for Horrey, and he put his versatility on display during a sophomore season that ended with him adding yet another record when he successfully set the doubles win record (23).
These records have definitely had an impact on Horrey, "Those records definitely mean a lot. They are very special honors. I never really gave any thought to them when I came in as a freshman. My main goal was and always has been about the team. Tennis is an individual sport, but your successes are really based on the team. Our goal this year has been to have a top-three finish in the NCAC."
That team focus has been a driving force for what Horrey hopes will be a continued upswing in recruiting. "I’m hoping what we have been able to accomplish will continue to help in recruiting," Horrey said. "I have been trying to help when I can with recruiting. This year’s freshmen along with last year’s freshmen have been good. We have definitely been getting better at getting more guys to look at Wabash that might not otherwise consider us."
That standard of excellence has helped propel Horrey to the all-time doubles win record and leaves him two wins shy of the all-time singles win record. However, Horrey’s impact has not been contained to individual successes as the tennis team has seen an upswing on overall success during his four years, with this year’s team off to a 4-2 start with two matches left heading into Spring Break. The team will face Luther College Friday and Hope College Saturday.
Following a consistently impactful four years at Wabash, Horrey plans to attend law school with an undetermined focus. "Hopefully, five years down the road, I will have graduated law school, have a job secured, and will still be playing tennis in some capacity."
Whatever the next few years hold for Horrey, one thing is for sure: success will not be on short supply.