Former University of Hawai‘i tennis player Derrick Lajola will begin his second season as a member of the tennis coaching staff as a student assistant.
A member of the Rainbow Warrior tennis squad from 2003-07, Lajola was coached by current UH men’s tennis coach, John Nelson. Lajola was a four-year letter winner at UH, playing mainly in the No. 3-6 singles positions. Lajola compiled 22 singles wins and 17 doubles victories with multiple partners throughout his career, and was a UH scholar-athlete.
As a senior last season, Lajola tied his season high by winning seven singles matches, playing at the all the positions with the exception of No. 1 and No. 6. As a freshman in the 2003-04 season, Lajola teamed with Bryon Weinberg and won his season high, six doubles matches.
Prior to attending UH, Lajola graduated from ‘Iolani School, class of 2003. Lajola played in the ILH, earned three letters in tennis and was first team all-ILH under coach Chris Leong and Mike Burger. In 2003, Lajola was ranked No. 1 in the USTA Hawai‘i boys 18 singles rankings.
Lajola has one sister, Tiffany and two brothers, Darryl and Dennis. Dennis is a current member of the Rainbow Warrior tennis team.
Born in the Philippines, Lajola is majoring in Accounting. Lajola also enjoys surfing, math, and his favorite athlete is Michael Jordan.
