Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) alumnus Inoue Terumasa is well known on campus for his ability to balance academic commitments with a demanding sporting life. During his time at MCKL as an American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) student, Inoue consistently demonstrated discipline, focus and passion, both in the classroom and on the tennis court. Today, he is continuing his academic journey at Chowan University in the United States, pursuing a degree in Sports Science and Kinesiology, while actively advancing his tennis career at a competitive level.
Before he left MCKL, our Student Affairs’ team had a small chat with him to understand further how he made it happen.
- How do you structure your typical day to manage time between academics and tennis training?
- Typically, I will be done with my classes by 4 P.M., then I will head directly to my tennis training from campus. I will train for about two hours, then head to the gym or do fitness workouts in the evening, after that, I will get studying and assignment work done.
- Typically, I will be done with my classes by 4 P.M., then I will head directly to my tennis training from campus. I will train for about two hours, then head to the gym or do fitness workouts in the evening, after that, I will get studying and assignment work done.
- What specific steps do you take to maintain energy and mental focus for both demanding studies and training?
- I make it a point to have my meals at regular times each day. I also do my best to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, although this can be challenging at times, as I often complete my academic work late at night and still need to wake up early to commute to college.
- I make it a point to have my meals at regular times each day. I also do my best to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, although this can be challenging at times, as I often complete my academic work late at night and still need to wake up early to commute to college.
- Who or what is your most essential support system or scheduling tool for keeping everything on track?
- At the beginning of each semester, I try to inform my lecturers and classmates about my passion for tennis, so they are aware of my commitments beyond academics. I take the time to explain my situation in detail and keep them regularly updated on my tournament schedules to assure them that I can manage my academic responsibilities. My friends support me by sharing class recaps, highlighting key points from lessons such as test tips, and reminding me of upcoming deadlines. Meanwhile, my lecturers have been very understanding, offering deadline extensions when I am competing in tournaments and arranging make-up exams whenever test dates clash with my competition schedule, allowing me to complete assessments when I am back on campus.
- At the beginning of each semester, I try to inform my lecturers and classmates about my passion for tennis, so they are aware of my commitments beyond academics. I take the time to explain my situation in detail and keep them regularly updated on my tournament schedules to assure them that I can manage my academic responsibilities. My friends support me by sharing class recaps, highlighting key points from lessons such as test tips, and reminding me of upcoming deadlines. Meanwhile, my lecturers have been very understanding, offering deadline extensions when I am competing in tournaments and arranging make-up exams whenever test dates clash with my competition schedule, allowing me to complete assessments when I am back on campus.
- When studies and tournaments conflict, how do you decide what to prioritise, and what’s the hardest sacrifice you have made?
- My ambition has always been to secure a scholarship at an American university. However, at the beginning of the year, my chances seemed uncertain after a series of setbacks the year before, including surgery and a tendon tear that cost me nearly an entire year. With 2025 being my final opportunity, I focused heavily on tournaments early in the year to improve my ranking and strengthen my chances of receiving a scholarship.
Once I achieved my target ranking, I shifted my focus back to my studies, as maintaining a strong GPA was essential for university acceptance. The biggest sacrifice I had to make was missing out on much of the “college life”, as training commitments often meant skipping social activities with friends. While this was challenging, it was a necessary sacrifice in pursuit of my long-term goals.
- My ambition has always been to secure a scholarship at an American university. However, at the beginning of the year, my chances seemed uncertain after a series of setbacks the year before, including surgery and a tendon tear that cost me nearly an entire year. With 2025 being my final opportunity, I focused heavily on tournaments early in the year to improve my ranking and strengthen my chances of receiving a scholarship.
- What’s your routine for mentally switching gears—for example, moving from the tennis court straight to studying?”
- During tournaments, when I need to study, I usually train first before focusing on my academics. After training, I shower and use that time as a mental reset before starting my studies. I make an effort to get into studying quickly, but because training and matches take a significant mental and physical toll, I am careful not to overexert myself. I typically limit my study time to a focused two-hour session before stopping for the day. If there is a café near the hotel where I am staying, I will study there instead, as the fresh air and change of environment help me concentrate better and avoid distractions.
