Chandler Tayek, a junior from Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., has been chosen for the focus of this installment of the “Endicott Student-Athlete Spotlight” for his works both on the court of competition, and even more important, off of it. Chandler is double majoring in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics and is a member of the men's volleyball team that just won their third consecutive NECC title and will take on Rutgers-Newark in the NCAA Tournament this Saturday. We were able to catch up with the men's volleyball outside and ask him a few questions for our segment.
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to become a NCAA DIII student-athlete so that I could focus more on my studies while also playing the sport I love.
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Endicott?
I love all the guys on the team and we are extremely close.
What are some of the greatest lessons you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I learned how to balance my time between a double major (Computer Science & Applied Mathematics) and my sport.
Who have been the most influence people in your athletic career?
My teammate who recently achieved Conference Player of the Year, John Osborne.
How would your teammates describe you?
My teammates would describe me as motivated and eccentric.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
We all dance in the locker room before a game.
What is your greatest sports moment?
Last year's 24-12 comeback against #6 MIT at home for the first round of NCAA's for our program's first ever NCAA win.
Which public figure (athlete, politician, entertainer, etc) would you most like to meet and what one question would you ask them?
I would ask Tom Brady to describe the feeling of success in one word.
What internships have you completed (or are a part of now)? What benefit have you gotten out of them?
I have had an internship at FarSight Studios in Big Bear, California. This coming summer I will be working in Denmark at Webtop then this fall I will be working in Beverly at Electric Insurance both as interns.
If you have been involved in community service projects, what project has been the most rewarding and why?
Helping out with the Beverly Food Pantry is the most rewarding thing I get because a lot of jobless parents come in to get food for their families.
Name three things on your "bucket list".
I guess my three things on my bucket list would be: Get a job where I am happy going to work everyday, complete my masters in Computer Science somewhere, and to win a conference championship 4 years in a row.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years after graduation? What is your dream job?
Working for a leading or start up tech company.
What would you say to someone currently in high school who is considering attending Endicott?
Endicott is a wonderful school and you should consider it highly.