Andrea Hammer – Junior
Women's Tennis
3.72 GPA, Broadcast Journalism
Ranked in top-15 in West Region (ITA singles/doubles)

Andrea's Division III balance requires more than just juggling the classroom and the tennis court as her classroom is also a television studio and the news field. When she isn't acing opponents as one of the top singles and doubles players in the West Region, you'll often see Hammer reporting or anchoring for Chapman News – a live 30-minute news program airing locally in Orange County.

Here's our Q&A with Andrea:

Why did you choose to come to Chapman and be an athlete?
Chapman has the perfect combination of a strong program in my area of study, a great location, and the opportunity to participate on a NCAA collegiate team. Chapman's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is ranked 7th among all the film schools in the U.S., so that was initially enticing, as I knew that I wanted to go into the television industry. Chapman's location in Southern California and Division III athletics program sort of just sealed the deal. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to pursue my education and continue my tennis competition.

What do you like most about the balance in Division III between academics and athletics?
I love the balance of Division III athletics and academics: I can really prioritize school while still getting the full athletics experience. Coaches are understanding about needing to miss a practice to study for a big test and likewise, professors are understanding when I occasionally need to miss class for a tennis match. There is a mutual respect from the coaches and from the professors for student athletes.

What unique opportunities has Chapman provided for you in your studies?
My education at Chapman and hands on classes at Dodge have provided me with skills that have created internship opportunities for me in the film and television industry. I interned at Collins Avenue Entertainment last summer, and I realize that if I never left my home in Pittsburgh, Pa. to come all the way to Chapman, I likely wouldn't be working at a production company in Los Angeles.

What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, l hope to be working in the entertainment industry as a writer, producer or journalist. My dream job would be working for the Tennis Channel, so I could combine my knowledge of media and television content with my passion for tennis.

by Doug Aiken 
Sports Information Director

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