At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2020. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well as they continue to complete the semester and become Rensselaer alumni / alumnae. 

While at Rensselaer:
Played No. 1 singles and doubles throughout career ... ITA All-America in singles once and doubles twice - both first in school history ... Ranked No. 8 in nation in singles and No. 11 in doubles in spring 2020 ... All-Liberty League Singles 3x ... All-Liberty League Doubles 3x ... Liberty League Singles Performer of the Week 11x ... Doubles Team of the Week 13x ... Information Technology and Web Science major ... Rensselaer's 2016-17 Male Freshman Athlete of the Year.

Favorite sports memory during career?
"My favorite RPI Athletics memory was winning the ITA Regional Tournament in September of 2019. Achieving All-American status for the second time in my college career, especially during my senior year, was a great moment for me and the team. Reaching the finals the year before, I knew this was my time to win the singles title. Being able to see my entire team on the sidelines supporting me was an amazing experience and I would not change it for anything!" - April 2020

What makes Rensselaer so special?
"The people. The friendships that I made throughout my years here at RPI are one of the highlights of my time on campus. Everyone is always supportive and helping you achieve your goals. I am going to miss everyone that I have met throughout the years!" - April 2020

What are your post-graduation plans?
"I plan on continuing my education here at RPI, pursuing a Master's Degree in business analytics." - April 2020

From the coaching staff:
"Sebastian will go down in the history books at RPI as one of the best players of all time. He has set almost every record (with missing a spring season) and accomplished a lot of firsts. He has one of the best backhands in D3 and a game style that struck fear into his opponents. I could go on and on about his abilities on the court, but they are secondary to his character. 
 
Two specific moments stand out that I will never forget. They are huge successes in the history of RPI Tennis, but also point to Sebastian's strength in character. These moments are the reason why coaches coach!
 
Getting to the Liberty League Championship and winning for the first time in RPI history was no small feat. We had a player, McKinley Grimes, overcoming a massive injury to be a pivotal part of our starting lineup. McKinley was also fighting through the sudden loss of his father to a heart attack four weeks before the League Championship. The team came together as a true family not only to support McKinley, but to support one another to achieve our goals amidst difficult circumstances. In the finals, we faced Skidmore, which RPI had only beaten once in the last 24 years. After sweeping doubles and a win at #4 singles, Sebastian clinched the match at #1. It gave RPI Tennis it's first Liberty League Championship and our first trip to NCAA's. As the team began to congregate on Sebastian's court to celebrate, I remember Sebastian bypassed all of his teammates except McKinley. He told McKinley that this championship was for him and his Dad and how he was inspired to rise to a new level in the face of adversity for them. 
 
I'll also remember this past fall when Sebastian won the Northeast ITA Regional Championship. The win was again a lot of firsts for RPI Tennis. It solidified him as the first singles All-American in school history and gave RPI the first appearance as an individual at the NCAA Tournament. The ITA Regional Tournament really exemplified how Sebastian progressed as a player throughout his four years and showcased his perseverance and determination. Each year he progressed deeper into the tournament. He had lost in the quarterfinals as a freshmen, the semis as a sophomore, the finals as a junior, and finally won it as a senior. His determination is remarkable and really shows how hard he, as an individual, really worked. After winning the title, Sebastian's true selflessness came through as he told the team that, "we finally did it" and proceeded to thank everyone for their support. 
 
Everyday was an absolute pleasure in coaching Sebastian. He was focused day in and day out and matured to an unbelievable level in college. His poise and quiet confidence is something I have learned a lot from and I gained a new appreciation for what is possible in four years. I hope he will be back next year to achieve a new level of greatness." - March 2020

What others say:
"One of the most fun players to watch and to play doubles with. He has been a staple at the top of the lineup his whole career and RPI Tennis would not be where we are without him." - April 2020

All Senior Celebration Series pieces are available by clicking HERE.