From 2014-15 through 2023-24, there was only one year there wasn’t a Yuminaga on the University of Rochester men’s tennis team. Jun was there from 2014 to 2018, while Kai was on the team from 2019 to 2024, which included abbreviated seasons in his first two years because of the global pandemic.
“I knew I wanted to continue school after my undergraduate education, so I was looking for a combination of academic excellence and tennis, while staying close to family in New York City. Rochester had a well-known academic reputation and I thought I could have the opportunity to play tennis there,” Jun said about his college search.
Jun’s experience at Rochester played an important role in his brother’s decision. “Rochester was already on my list and I had the exposure of moving Jun in and out. I paid attention to my surroundings and atmosphere,” Kai recalled. “My dad signed me up for tennis tournaments. We would move Jun in during the morning and play matches at Midtown Tennis Club. I was able to get familiar with the campus, coaches, and surroundings. I would have had to learn all that on my own at another school.”
The brothers agree they didn’t discuss Kai’s college search much. “I didn’t have too much input in Kai’s decision-making other than giving some opinions,” Jun stated. “It was more my perception of Jun’s experience. It is a strong research institution where I was able to put my focus on academics over tennis while maintaining a high level of play. It was the balance I was looking for,” Kai commented.
Neither brother had their career path set in stone, yet ended up doing something they wanted. “I wanted to be an Air Force pilot and I still want to pursue flying as a hobby on the side,” expressed Jun, who is currently a first-year resident in emergency medicine in Toledo, Ohio. He is interested in critical care and after his three years of residency will move into a two-year fellowship in ICU.
“I was always interested in health care, in what Jun is doing. It really intrigues me, but I am not sure I could have pursued it. I enjoy helping people and being knowledgeable. I am focused on the people I work for and the culture, making sure I am satisfied wherever I am,” communicated Kai, who is working for TechnipFMC, an energy, oil, and gas company in Texas. “I prefer the weather to Rochester and New York City!”
With his schedule changing regularly depending on his rotation, Jun only plays tennis a couple times a month. Kai joined a team in New York City before moving to Texas and is looking to do the same in his new home. “I don’t know a lot of tennis players down here yet, but the good weather will benefit me and I can always find outdoor courts.”