Jackson Isaacs competed as a member of the Emory men's tennis program from 2010-11 through 2013-14. After playing sparingly his first two seasons, Jackson battled his way into the lineup and became a key contributor in doubles, winning a total of 29 matches his final two campaigns, and earning All-America honors as a junior. He was an Emory 100 Senior Honorary recipient, recognizing the 100 outstanding seniors in the undergraduate schools, and was the male honoree for the athletic department's Aliberti Award, symbolic of someone who demonstrates continued improvement, persevere in their academic studies and show profound loyalty to Emory Athletics.
Q: Occupation and where are you living?
JI: Since graduating from Emory I have been working at Goldman Sachs in New York. I earned this opportunity immediately following graduation and have spent the past six years in a few different roles across the firms’ Global Markets Division, currently a Vice President on the Macro Trading Desk. I work as the firm's lead ETF trader – facilitating transactions in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) for a wide variety of clients across a variety of asset classes. I find the role exhilarating as I guide investors across various themes within the global markets – and, without a doubt, the skills I learned from being a student-athlete have directly translated.
Q: Can you reflections upon your time at Emory, both as a tennis player and as a student?
JI: The combination of athletics and education was a perfect match for me, as I was able to give my all on both playing fields. Emory provided me the opportunity to play athletics at a high level and compete for a National Championship while providing the opportunity to achieve my academic goals at a top-notch undergraduate Business School like Goizueta.
Q: Who were some of people who influenced you during your time at Emory?
JI: I was lucky to be a member of the Emory Tennis team as well as the Goizueta Buisness School. The bond I was able to form with my teammates and coaches on the tennis team helped me strive towards my goal of being a high performing student-athlete. Coach Browning pushed me to be my best on the tennis court, while Goizueta teachers / school leadership helped me strive towards achieving my goals and helping me focus on finding a strong start to my career post graduation.
Q: What are some highlights that you remember while playing tennis at Emory?
JI: My story is a bit unique – as I spent the first two years not near the line-up of our top-ranked program. I worked as hard as I could to prove myself as a tennis player and teammate, especially as I matured as a young adult. I owe it to coach John Browning for never giving up on my potential and giving me another chance my junior year. Leading up to the fall tournament, Coach saw some of my progress and gave me the opportunity to play in the A-draw doubles tournament, to which myself and Nick Szczurek rallied off six straight underdog wins to win the tournament and earn All-American Honors.
Q: You mentioned playing your way to All-American in doubles with Nick Szczurek. What did that honor mean to you?
JI: Becoming an All American was a major milestone in my tennis career and life. It proved out the hard work that I put in and helped me become a leader in the coming years for our team. Our team pushed each other a lot; and our victory in the fall I believe helped motivate Elliot (Kahler) and Ian (Wagner) to be a better team in the Spring and win the National Championship in the individual competition; an incredible feat.
Q: How are you surviving the Pandemic and how has it affected you?
JI: The Pandemic has been tough as I have been here in New York City. Work has been very demanding as the financial markets saw some enhanced volatility – but my hope is that things begin to turn around and New York can find its footing to the best possible degree.
Q: Any former teammates that you are in contact with?
JI: I keep in touch with quite a few of my old teammates, even staying in touch on the court with former teammate and coach Alex Chun here in New York. The community is strong; I have also been in close contact with Jed Weinstein, who has become a great friend and mentor as an Emory Tennis Alumni here in NY. I also keep up with results closely – it is always great to see the continued success that the program is having.
Q: What advice that you would give Emory student-athletes?
JI: I would just say the lessons you learn from balancing athletics and academics at a place like Emory set you up incredibly well for a future off the court/field. Although it can feel like a lot at times, sticking with your sport is key, as it will help you build into a successful player and student as you progress at Emory.
Jackson lives in New York and works for Goldman Sachs