Miles Rogers competed on a very successful ASU Men's Tennis Team from 1996-2000 as he earned four letters and was a four-time Maroon and Gold Scholar Athlete. Rogers was a student athlete who encompassed what it means to be a Sun Devil. He was a part of the Barrett Honors College, was involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, volunteered for a number of community out-reach events as well as writing feature articles for the Sun Devil Athletics Media Relations Department.
Below is a question and answer we did with Miles about his experience and life as a Sun Devil student athlete.
What is your favorite memory at ASU?
My first match at ASU continues to be one of my best memories. I kept looking around and couldn't believe it was real as I had always wanted to play college tennis and compete in the PAC 10 conference. From a team standpoint, beating USC when they were #1 in the country at home was a great win and celebration.
Who was your favorite teammate?
My Favorite teammate was Tim Hammond from Australia and he is still my best friend. He was the first person that I met at ASU when we both arrived at the tennis courts and we ended up living together. He also connected me to my first client in private aviation when he became Head Pro at Sherwood Country Club and Wayne Gretzky was his client. As a Canadian, Wayne was always a hero of mine and we continue to work together today.
What would be your best advice for a freshman?
Get involved and try different things on campus even. From a student athlete standpoint, get involved in SAAC and community outreach those experiences continue to be some of my best memories. Also, go to as many games / matches / events to support fellow Sun Devils. It is a great way to meet people and support the teams.
The biggest thing/s you took away from competing in collegiate tennis?
Even though tennis is an individual sport it was amazing to be on a team. It was an honor to wear maroon and gold and make so many friends in the process. You also learn time management being a student athlete and that continues to help today in the business world.
What was your favorite class?
The Human Event was a required class in the ASU Honors College and was my favorite.
What was your favorite travel experience on the road with your team?
Going to the NCAA Championships in Georgia was a special trip with the team. The atmosphere was incredible.
Are there any athletes on other teams you connected with while at ASU?
I lived with Football players starting my Freshman year and we had a great group of friends that would always support each other. They would come to all the home matches and always great to have their support.
What was your favorite restaurant when you were at ASU?
Pita Jungle – We went after practice all the time for a quick healthy meal.
Who was your favorite athlete you watched compete from another sport at ASU?
Pat Tillman. He played with so much energy and passion. He was active is the Athletic Department and always encouraging other athletes. It was an honor to know him.
Who is the best sun devil tennis player you ever competed with?
We had a lot of great players. Gustavo Marcaccio was probably the best and went out on Tour after college. He played number 1 and had wins over the top players in the country on a regular basis.
Who had the biggest impact on your athletic career at ASU?
I had the opportunity to learn from two great Athletic Directors at ASU. I did my Honors Thesis with Dr. Kevin White and Gene Smith was helpful and supportive in joining the ASU Sports Business MBA Program. Coach Belken and Coach Warder helped us consistently compete with the top teams in the country.
Rogers is the Chief Strategy Officer of Wheels Up. Wheels Up is a private aviation company that is membership based. Wheels Up recently raised $200 million in growth capital giving the company a $1 billion dollar enterprise valuation. Wheels Up unparalleled flexibility, access and reliability is something they pride themselves on where they are also available 24/7/365 days of the year. If you're a business or individual knowing you'll need last minute travel Wheels Up is the company for you. Many professional athletes and celebrities use this service and Rogers has had the luxury of meeting an array of these individuals. Thus, they are and known globally for providing the highest of standards for private aviation with outstanding service and experience. A reflection of this is seen from the trusted athletes and celebrities that have used Wheels Up. Wheels Up Ambassadors include Serena Williams, Tom Brady, JJ Watt, Rickie Fowler, Russell Wilson and Ciara. Rogers has also stayed close to the tennis world with clients including, Caroline Wozniacki, Sam Querrey, John Isner and Stevie Johnson.Getting excited for @SamQuerrey match tonight let's GO! ??????????#WheelsUp #SamQuerrey #USOPEN @WheelsUp
— Miles Rogers (@TheJetGuy) September 6, 2017
cc @mrdougellin @babolat @FilaTennis pic.twitter.com/q63fqWOZgO
Below is a question and answer we did with Miles about his experience and life as a Sun Devil student athlete.
What is your favorite memory at ASU?
My first match at ASU continues to be one of my best memories. I kept looking around and couldn't believe it was real as I had always wanted to play college tennis and compete in the PAC 10 conference. From a team standpoint, beating USC when they were #1 in the country at home was a great win and celebration.
We are proud to support #WheelsUp Member @JJWatt in his effort of providing relief for Houston. #HoustonStrong https://t.co/WEODR73Gg4 pic.twitter.com/ua8jYeIgQ4
— Wheels Up (@WheelsUp) August 30, 2017
Who was your favorite teammate?
My Favorite teammate was Tim Hammond from Australia and he is still my best friend. He was the first person that I met at ASU when we both arrived at the tennis courts and we ended up living together. He also connected me to my first client in private aviation when he became Head Pro at Sherwood Country Club and Wayne Gretzky was his client. As a Canadian, Wayne was always a hero of mine and we continue to work together today.
What would be your best advice for a freshman?
Get involved and try different things on campus even. From a student athlete standpoint, get involved in SAAC and community outreach those experiences continue to be some of my best memories. Also, go to as many games / matches / events to support fellow Sun Devils. It is a great way to meet people and support the teams.
The biggest thing/s you took away from competing in collegiate tennis?
Even though tennis is an individual sport it was amazing to be on a team. It was an honor to wear maroon and gold and make so many friends in the process. You also learn time management being a student athlete and that continues to help today in the business world.
What was your favorite class?
The Human Event was a required class in the ASU Honors College and was my favorite.
What was your favorite travel experience on the road with your team?
Going to the NCAA Championships in Georgia was a special trip with the team. The atmosphere was incredible.
Greatest Of All Time congrats @serenawilliams on #23
— Miles Rogers (@TheJetGuy) January 28, 2017
??????????????????????????????????????????????#Serena #SerenaWilliams #WheelsUp #WinnersFlyWheelsUp #GOAT pic.twitter.com/gQ6goK8wOE
Are there any athletes on other teams you connected with while at ASU?
I lived with Football players starting my Freshman year and we had a great group of friends that would always support each other. They would come to all the home matches and always great to have their support.
What was your favorite restaurant when you were at ASU?
Pita Jungle – We went after practice all the time for a quick healthy meal.
Who was your favorite athlete you watched compete from another sport at ASU?
Pat Tillman. He played with so much energy and passion. He was active is the Athletic Department and always encouraging other athletes. It was an honor to know him.
Who is the best sun devil tennis player you ever competed with?
We had a lot of great players. Gustavo Marcaccio was probably the best and went out on Tour after college. He played number 1 and had wins over the top players in the country on a regular basis.
Who had the biggest impact on your athletic career at ASU?
I had the opportunity to learn from two great Athletic Directors at ASU. I did my Honors Thesis with Dr. Kevin White and Gene Smith was helpful and supportive in joining the ASU Sports Business MBA Program. Coach Belken and Coach Warder helped us consistently compete with the top teams in the country.
Sit Back And Relax Football is Back
— Miles Rogers (@TheJetGuy) September 8, 2017
??????#WheelsUp #TomBrady #WinnersFlyWheelsUp #WheelsUpTouchDowns pic.twitter.com/qJ40Wxksyd