A Feel Good Story – Right Place at the Right Time

Cyrus Mahjoob arrived on campus a week into the fall semester, but it did not take long for him to realize that Georgia was where he was meant to be.

Mahjoob’s unconventional path to one of the most historic collegiate tennis programs began with an unexpected encounter with Manuel Diaz, the men’s tennis head coach, during a layover in an airport.

Little did Mahjoob know that this casual conversation would shape the next chapter of his life.

“We ended up being on the same flight, and that same flight got delayed two hours. Then we started talking more and more,” Mahjoob said. “He got my school information, right there, and told me, ‘Hey, how do you feel about coming on a visit?’”

Within days, Mahjoob was in Athens on an official visit. The whirlwind trip to Georgia became a turning point and he found himself immersed in a culture that felt like home. He knew immediately that he was meant to be a Bulldog, and after leaving campus, he took the next steps to make it official. Less than a week went by until Mahjoob was on campus rocking Red and Black.

While Mahjoob’s career at Georgia has just begun, he has already learned so much from the people around him. Representing the “G” and playing an individual sport in a team setting has required a learning curve, but he has found joy in the relationships that have been made from being a part of the group.

“Everything collectively has been incredible. Georgia as a school, the administration, everyone surrounding me has done a great job of making sure I’m getting everything I need and I’m taken care of,” Mahjoob said.

With an infectious smile and his authentic demeanor, Mahjoob has grown close with his teammates and learned how to put the team over himself. He praises the culture of the men’s team and Georgia as a whole, emphasizing how there is nothing quite like it.

Mahjoob knows that nothing comes easy. His determination to succeed is unmatched and hard to miss. He has learned from the countless hours he has spent at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex that heart is one of the key characteristics of being a Georgia Bulldog. Mahjoob hopes to carry on the high level of competitiveness found at the courts in Athens.

“The culture around the school is probably the most incredible thing about it,” Mahjoob said.

After getting a taste of college tennis in the fall, Mahjoob was excited for the dual match season to begin. More importantly, he was excited to play for more than himself, to play for a team. Mahjoob knows the upcoming season will be challenging, but it will not be anything he cannot face without his teammates.

“So much competing, so many close matches, so much support coming from the guys on the team, the coaches, everyone in the stands,” Mahjoob said. “I’m just looking forward to competing with the team and testing my capabilities right off the bat.”

Mahjoob will play with intensity and leave everything he has out on the court. He understands the responsibility he has to this historic tennis program and hopes to give everything back to the people who have helped him feel at home in the Classic City.

Mahjoob is extremely grateful to play the sport he loves and see just how big of an impact he can leave on Athens and Coach Diaz’s legendary program.

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