Recruiting Profile
Poindexter Hopes to Reconnect with Family Roots
by Rhiannon Potkey, 29 April 2024
| Share: |  |
|  | |
|
|
Eric Poindexter didn’t know if he wanted to even attend college, yet alone play college tennis. When he first arrived at Granite Hills High in Apple Valley, California, Poindexter thought about entering the military or going to a trade school.
Two-Star Eric Poindexter has Committed to SEOSU
© Contributed Photo
But by last year, Poindexter figured playing tennis in college was worth a shot. The two-star senior wanted to find a program where he could play on the team. He wasn’t interested in big colleges.
His dad began doing some research and discovered Southeastern Oklahoma State University, an NCAA Division II school in Durant, Oklahoma. The school has a close relationship with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, which is headquartered in Durant. The Choctaw is the-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members.
Poindexter’s family on his father’s side is part of Choctaw Nation. Poindexter’s grandfather died when his father was a baby, and the culture “has kind of been lost in the family,” Poindexter said.
After he contacted Southeastern head coach Brian Nelson last summer, Poindexter scheduled a visit to campus. He realized how special it would be to attend the school, and learn more about his family’s history.
Poindexter verbally committed to Southeastern last month. The Savage Storm currently have no Americans on the roster.
“Ever since I decided to go to this college, my dad has been looking way more into it,” Poindexter said. “He may even buy a house nearby. He has been looking around the reservation to check it out and reconnect with our roots.”
Poindexter started playing tennis when he was 5 on the courts with his dad. A year later, he was taking lessons and began playing tournaments by age 8.
“I live in a pretty small desert town, so I am the best one up here and there is nobody my age that plays so it’s really hard to actually play with people,” Poindexter said. “I have to drive at least an hour to play tournaments, but it’s definitely fun and I enjoy it.”
Poindexter Began Playing with his Dad
© Contributed Photo
Poindexter played football when he was a freshman in high school. Although he still follows the sport closely as a fan, he now devotes all of his time outside of school to tennis.
Poindexter is thinking of majoring in finance or business at Southeastern. Since he committed, Poindexter has been focusing all his energy on preparing for the next stage of his life. He is grateful he decided to go the college route and keep tennis a part of his life.
“I had a Zoom call with the counselor at the college and I am just so excited. I went to practice right after and had a really good practice,” Poindexter said. “I am ready to get there so bad. I am excited to move out and see new things and become more independent living on my own.”
