Photo Credit to: www.hebdorivenord.com/

Written by: Pierre ‘The Bear’ Lamarche

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***Pierre Lamarche has been an outspoken proponent of Canadian tennis and how the sport should have a major place in the Canadian sport landscape. He believes this lofty ambition can only be achieved through the combination of success on the international professional competitive scene, with the required domestic infrastructure and a true partnership between Tennis Canada and the tennis private sector.***

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ONcourt: Brayden, deciding to go to University before pursuing the pro route must have been a tough decision?
Brayden Schnur: Last January I really felt my results did not warrant for me to bypass University. Although I reached a high 21 ITF ranking it became obvious that I still had a lot to learn. My parents as always were instrumental in making my decision which was supported by them and the coaches at the National Centre in Montreal.
OC: So then what happened?
Brayden: Because of my ITF results I got a lot of attention from US coaches. I visited many great places, but at the end last April I signed with North Carolina. I chose North Carolina because they have a great athletic program and they are committed to develop college players into pro players, which is still my goal
OC: During this time what was your major emphasis?
Brayden: I was behind in my school work and thank god my Mom got on me and I focused intensively on finishing school which I did in June.
OC: And then what happened?
Brayden: Suddenly all the pressure was off, I got my high school degree, signed with a great University and was free to play tennis. I had two of the best weeks in my life getting to the finals of the Futures in Kelowna and winning the futures in Calgary.
OC: Did you second guess your decision to go to school in the US?
Brayden: It certainly gave me something to think about so I decided to keep on playing in the fall and go to school in January. My performances in the fall confirmed my decision that college was a better route for me.
OC: Why is that?
Brayden: I lack the consistency day in day out in keeping the same level of play. Right now I just feel it’s hit or miss. I will give myself a shot when I finish University. Not many guys make enough money until they are 22-23, by then I will be much stronger and be more mature mentally.
OC: Did Tennis Canada offer you the same opportunity as they gave Peliwo (now training in Spain and preparing to enter the tour full time)?
Brayden: No they did not, they are looking at new ways of developing their players and they were supportive of my decision and I will reintegrate into the Canadian team next summer.
OC: You must be excited?
Brayden: Extremely. To do something different in a new environment, is always exciting. I had a goal this past year of being top 1000 ATP and I am now 548. I look at college as a great stepping stone to the pros.