???To a coach, sharing experience gained in the past can be just as beneficial for athletes gaining it themselves.
???For men's tennis coach Sherif Zaher, the experiences he had as an athlete form vital lessons that he teaches to athletes who enter his life.
???As a young man, Zaher's talents were not just limited to tennis. Until he was 14 years old, soccer was a huge part of his life.
???Zaher realized that, to become the best athlete possible in one sport, he would have to drop the other to truly dedicate himself to his development. To further his dream of playing tennis, Zaher moved from Egypt to the United States. His mentality was that training and playing in the United States could help spark his tennis ambitions.
???Zaher's high school career was vital to his evolution into the coach that he is today. Initially, he chose tennis because it was an individual sport. His father, a semi-pro player himself, also was a factor in the decision-making process.
???While in high school, Zaher actually was on the tennis team with a well-known name in tennis today - Andy Roddick. Zaher was three years older than the now-professional tennis player and thus did not have the need to talk to him much in high school.
???"He was good in high school, but I was a senior when he was a freshman, so I never really spoke to him," Zaher said. "A funny story is that I played with his brother in Georgia when I went to college."
???Roddick was not the only famous player that Zaher encountered in his youth. Zaher had played against many different players when he competed in Jr. Wimbledon, including the likes of Andre Agassi.
???When he graduated from high school, Zaher was accepted into the University of Georgia, where he helped his team win the National Championship his first year. In his freshman year as a Bulldog, he ended his season with an amazing 11-0 record.
???After that season, his life would never be the same.
???During his sophomore year, Zaher injured his arm, ending his career at Georgia. After a surgical procedure to repair the injury, he transferred to Sacramento State for his junior and senior year. There, Zaher helped his new team win back-to-back NCAA Championships. Zaher played both singles and doubles in those years and at the end of his senior year, he was awarded Sacramento State Male Athlete of the Year.
???Sacramento State caused Zaher to change his mindset. While at Gerogia, tennis was on the forefront, academics were brought to the front of Zaher's mind at his new school.
???"After the surgery on my arm, I moved to Sacramento and tried to focus more on my education while still playing tennis," Zaher said.
???Zaher earned a psychology degree in 2002 from Sacramento State. After graduation, he went on to get a master's degree in kinesiology.
???Shortly after earning the degree, Zaher was hired as the head coach of Sacramento State's tennis team at the age of 23. His first year as coach ended with his players winning the team title conference for Sacramento. During his next two years as coach, his tennis team was in the top three in its conference.
???After three years as head coach at his alma mater, Zaher decided he wanted to live closer to his family. He chose to move to the East Coast, where Buffalo's athletic department snagged him and hired him as the program's men's tennis coach.
???While tennis is one of Zaher's passions, another aspect of his life is beginning to sneak into his heart-fatherhood. Many might think that the former Jr. Wimbledon star would push his child to play tennis, but Zaher only wants what is best.
???"I'd be happy if my child played tennis but I'll support and encourage no matter what sport, if any, is chosen," Zaher said.
???Whether it is pursuing coaching or being a father, Zaher aims to be the best he can be, no matter what the circumstances are.
