Azusa Pacific University -- In Focus

by Christian Brazo '95

Chao "Benny" Linn '02 prowls the tennis court like a tiger. Patiently keeping his ground strokes deep, he waits for his prey to get careless. At that precise moment, Linn puts the ball away with a cross-court winner.

"I don't overplay the ball," Linn explained. "I'm steady and patient, waiting for my chance to get the point." His patience on the court this past season snared victories in all 34 matches he played, winning 68 of the 72 sets, Linn tosses the ball in the air for the serve, and with outstretched arm prepares to send the ball screaming. plundering the NAIA Rookie of the Year trophy along the way. More important than the accolades that come from winning a lot is the idea of representing his country, his team, and his school with honor.

Linn had his first taste of patriotism in 1992 at the Barcelona Olympics under the Indonesian flag. Because his parents were working in Indonesia, which allowed him to have dual passports, Linn had the chance to play for the island country. Qualifying for the games was a feat in and of itself. Linn was only one of four players in Asia who earned the trip to Spain.

A first-round loss to a Canadian player was crushing, but not enough to diminish the fact he competed in the Olympic Games. "Playing at the Olympics was probably my greatest experience as a tennis player," Linn said. "I was wrapped in the feeling of being there. I fought for every ball."

Two years later, Linn left Indonesia and the huge popularity he enjoyed there for his home country of Taiwan. By winning a men's singles bronze medal at the 1997 World University Games (WUG) in Sicily, Italy, Linn received the nation's highest athletic award. The medal was sweet, but being named captain of the Taiwanese Davis Cup team, a title he continues to hold, was even sweeter. "Being trusted to represent your country and serve as an ambassador on the court is quite an honor. That's what drives Linn crouches eagerly and waits for his opponent to send something his way. me-representing Taiwan as best I can." Linn went on to win a silver medal in mixed doubles at the 1999 WUG held in Parma, Italy.

Linn stands and rests with arms cradling his racquet behind his head.

Linn's experiences at the WUG and on the international circuit are mammoth compared to the once- or twice-a-week matches at the collegiate level. "The competition is not as tough in the NAIA. Playing some of the world's best tennis players brings with it a lot of pressure to perform well," Linn explained, "but there are new challenges for me to face at this level."

One of which includes being a full-time student in the United States. After a brief hiatus from National Taiwan University, Linn chose to go back to school and complete his bachelor's degree. "I understand that tennis is for now and that my education will prepare me for the next steps in life," Linn said. "I made the decision that finishing school was a priority."

Linn surfed the Internet for private universities in Southern California with tennis programs. His search drove him to the Azusa Pacific website and the email address of head tennis coach Mark Bohren. A series of emails between the two sealed the deal. "I just listened to the voice in my heart. I wanted to go to APU right away." Linn carefully prepares to return the ball, his eyes never leaving his target.

Since Linn arrived, he has had to balance a full class load, a language barrier, and daily practices. "Returning to college was quite a challenge for me," said Linn. "My teammates, coaches, and especially my professors have been helpful in making the transition much easier than I thought it would be. They have helped me with succeeding in my classes, learning English, and keeping me accountable."

Once Linn graduates from Azusa Pacific with a degree in physical education, he plans to return to Taiwan. "In Asia, tennis is not as popular as golf, baseball, or even basketball," Linn said. "I want to change that. I have plans to develop junior players and establish tennis camps throughout Taiwan and beyond."
In the meantime, Linn is content to wreak havoc on the tennis courts of the NAIA.

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