Graduating Student-Athlete Profile: Zachary Laplante

ZL: Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

ZL: Celebrating important wins with my teammates, our spring break trip to Florida this past season and always laughing hard during van trips. 

ZL: Daemen has been a massive upgrade compared to my previous school. I like the school, the people and the city. While the tennis program was going through a transition as I arrived, being part of that process taught me many lessons. As a Canadian, Buffalo has become a home away from home. Daemen is a place that has allowed me to grow personally, professionally and emotionally. 

ZL: While I'll still be here taking classes for one more year, I feel that once I'm done, I'll miss the teachable moments. Daemen provided many opportunities to learn life lessons. While there were tough moments, they nevertheless helped me question my beliefs. Daemen helped mold me into a better version of myself. 

ZL: Graduating with a 3.97 GPA. Having been an average student in high school, I'm proud of the academic progress I've made in college. Also, ending my career in the top 10 for wins and being an Academic All-American in 2023. Having nearly given up tennis when I was growing up, I'm proud of my college career and what I've accomplished. And lastly, I am happy to have contributed to the building of a growing tennis program. I had doubts at first, but I believe in this program and its progress. 

ZL: The most influential person during my college years has unquestionably been my mom. She believed studying abroad would shape me into a responsible and independent person. She supported me to thrive academically and athletically. She also supported me when I took a bet on myself and chose to transfer, eventually landing in a great position at Daemen. 

ZL: Attending graduate school here at Daemen during the 2024-25 academic year, and beginning my job at a certified public accounting firm this summer. 

ZL: Go out there, compete with your heart and soul and enjoy the present moment and the adversity. Regardless of the results, this sport will shape you into something bigger and better if you do. Four years flies by, and before you know it, you'll be graduating with all of it behind you.