Recruiting Profile
Colak Lets Heart Guide His Commitment to Michigan State
by Rhiannon Potkey, 7 December 2021
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Ozan Colak is normally very gregarious and loves socializing with others. But a recent rotator cuff injury sent Colak into a tailspin.
The blue chip senior from Okemos, Michigan struggled not being on the tennis court competing. He was at a loss for his purpose and meaning beyond the sport.
Blue Chip Ozan Colak Has Committed to Michigan State
© Bill Kallenberg
Once Colak began playing again, the mental turmoil lingered.
“I grew pretty isolated and just began cutting off all ties with people,” Colak said. “It was a really rough six months not really knowing if I wanted to play tennis anymore and going into matches already thinking I was going to lose and not really knowing why I was out there.”
Realizing he was headed down a negative path, Colak finally reached out to his inner circle of family, friends and coaches. He learned just how much support he had.
“If we try to hide from our fears or try to hide from our demons or darkness, it kind of consumes us. It’s better to open up to it and ask for help,” Colak said. “Once I did that, I found lots of helpful people and I am very grateful. I am feeling the best I ever have about tennis now and love what I am doing.”
Colak had even more reasons to celebrate last month when he committed to Michigan State. He has yet to sign a letter of intent.
The final three schools Colak was considering were Michigan State, Arizona State and Baylor.
“It was really, really tough. Every time I thought about it, I would go back and forth and lean one way or another,” Colak said. “But every time I sat down by myself and listened to my heart, it just kept going back to Michigan State.”
