Eagles Spotlight: Alexander Zorko ’18

Alexander Zorko ’18 is a native ofHeusenstamm, Germany. Alex has been at Rabun Gap since 2015.Alex holds varsity letters in both soccer and tennis, with tennis being his main sport. As an excellent tennis player, he was the only spring sport athlete to make the All-State team in boys tennis in 2017. A great student off the court, Alex leads by example in the classroom and in Anderson dorm, where he is a prefect for our Middle School boarding students.

How did you end up at Rabun Gap? Through an organization that takes student- athletes to the U.S. for a new school experience. I was supposed to go to a school in Alabama, but we couldn’t find a host family so the organization found Rabun Gap for us. Five days before flying to Atlanta, the organization contacted me and said that I am able to attend Rabun Gap.

What is your personal philosophy? Nothing comes out of nothing. If you don’t work for it and you don’t put any effort in it, you can’t expect a miracle.

At what age did you start playing tennis and what role does it fulfill in your life? Tennis is something that has been part of my life since I was a young child. I started playing tennis when I was about to turn three years old. It makes me feel like I have a chance against bigger and stronger people. Tennis gives me an identity that I can hang on to.

What do you like to do in your free time? I love playing soccer, any sport in general, listening to music and just having a great time with my friends.

What would you do with $1000 in four hours? I probably would get something for my parents to show them how thankful I am for what they have given up for me, so I could attend Rabun Gap and meet amazing people who have become my second family.

What classes do you love here and why? I love most of my classes because of how different it is compared to German school. At Rabun Gap teachers care about you and are very flexible.

Describe your favorite teacher? What types of things do you do in that class? My favorite teacher is Mr. Wright. When I first came here I met him during sports camp. I really had a great time during sports camp. As soon as I had him as a Algebra II teacher I realized that you can have a lot of fun in class while learning math. He explained math in a fun way and in a way that makes sense.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up or who do you look up too? My favorite athletes growing up where actually soccer players. I loved watching Ronaldinho, Pirlo, young Messi and a young Ronaldo. I loved to play soccer and imitate their moves and work on learning new skills.

What are your greatest talents? I think for a lot of people it is not really a good thing, but I am very competitive. Any game we play I want to win. My friends might say it’s just a game, but for me it’s a serious game.

What does success in the classroom mean to you? If you are not successful in school you can’t go to college, no matter how good of an athlete you are. I love sports but that alone can’t get me into college. It’s a great tool but what do you do if you fail three classes in college? You have to find some kind of balance between athletics and academics.

What motivates and inspires you? I get motivated and inspired by my parents. Even though they are six time zones away. I still get motivated by my parents just by talking to them and catching up. It reminds me what they have made possible for me and that the least I could do is to do good in every aspect.

What are your best habits as a thinker? I believe my best habit is to think critical and to think outside the box.

What are your plans after high school? I am still narrowing down my college choices but I am hoping to be able to continue my tennis career. Playing tennis at the collegiate level will hopefully allow me to obtain a scholarship as well. I am not sure if I want to finish my college career in the U.S. or go back to Europe. I would love to have a job where I can travel around the world, learn about different cultures, and just learn about the world through my travels.