Fox student-athlete spotlight
Temple Fencing: Aayush Bhat
By Ethan Duer
In our latest Q&A series, we highlight the student-athlete experience at Fox.
Finance major and on the Temple Owls men’s tennis team.
Aayush Bhat, a finance major at the Fox School of Business, is a member of the men’s tennis team. (Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics)
Q&A with Fox
An international student from Hyderabad, India, Aayush Bhat is a sophomore on the Temple Owls men’s tennis team. As Bhat pursues his finance degree, he took some time to share some details with us about his student-athlete experience, including his decision process to play at Temple and his pursuit of playing tennis professionally. .
Name: Aayush Bhat
Sport: Men’s Tennis
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Major: Finance
Favorite student-athlete memory: “Defeating Brown University in the clinching match at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament last year!”
(Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics)
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at the Fox School of Business?
Being a student-athlete at the Fox School of Business means a great deal to me! I’ve found all of my professors to be immensely knowledgeable, and they’ve shown they genuinely care about my success, including being willing to accommodate my busy schedule as a student-athlete. This kind of flexibility allows me to focus on both my academic and athletic commitments at one time and not feel like I am having to compromise either of them. Additionally, Fox offers career fairs that are invaluable for building my professional network. These events connect me with industry leaders and potential employers, giving me the opportunity to explore internships and job prospects that align with my career goals. The combination of a strong academic foundation and support for my athletic pursuits creates an environment where I can thrive as both a student and an athlete, preparing me for future success.
What was your decision process like when choosing to attend Temple?
I was fortunate enough to be recruited to play tennis at the collegiate level! During my recruitment process, I was approached by several coaches from prestigious schools and tennis programs, as I ranked in the top 100 of International Tennis Federation (ITF) juniors and participated in the 2023 Australian Open. However, I chose to attend Temple because it offered the perfect balance between competing at a Division I level and obtaining a valuable degree. Additionally, I was drawn to the vibrant atmosphere of a big city, which Philadelphia provides.
Liv Hummel (#20) on the court. (Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics)
“I’ve been fortunate enough to already have met a lot of business professionals and people who work within my goal industry of accounting that have mentioned how much they love hiring former student athletes”
How has Fox supported your pursuits as a student-athlete?
At Fox, I have greatly benefited from the academic resources available to student-athletes, including personalized academic advising and tutoring services that help me stay on top of my coursework while managing our rigorous training schedule. The networking opportunities provided by the school have also been invaluable, connecting me with alumni and professionals in the sports industry who can offer guidance and mentorship as I pursue my goal of playing professional tennis. Additionally, the support services, including mental health resources and counseling, have been essential in helping me navigate the unique challenges of balancing my athletic and academic commitments.
How will your student-athlete experience benefit you beyond your time at Temple?
I anticipate my experience as a student-athlete will provide me with valuable skills and lessons that will stay with me throughout my life! Competing at a high level in tennis will teach me discipline, time management and the ability to handle pressure—qualities that are essential in both sports and the professional world. The connections I’ve made with my coaches, teammates and other student-athletes will help me build a strong network that can benefit my career, whether in tennis or any other field. Overall, I truly believe the student-athlete experience at Temple will prepare me for success in life after college, both on and off the court.
What would you say to a prospective student-athlete who is considering coming to Temple?
I’d tell any prospective student-athlete considering coming here to Temple that it’s an exciting chance to be part of a vibrant community with a strong athletic program! Temple offers a balance between academics and athletics, providing access to excellent facilities, coaching staff and resources to help you succeed both in your sport and in the classroom. You’ll also have the chance to compete at a high level and create lifelong friendships with teammates. Plus, being in Philadelphia means you’ll be in a city that is filled with culture and opportunities. Overall, this community will help you grow as an athlete and a student while preparing you for your future.
Student-Athletes at Fox
Each academic year, a select group of students from Temple University’s Fox School of Business represents the school in a place beyond the classroom: NCAA collegiate athletics.
Participating across a variety of Temple Athletics programs, the Fox School is proud to be the academic home for many student-athletes.