Gary Fishkin found himself in a difficult place after a difficult season.

The Lehigh senior tennis player wasnt happy with his play last season, and so he went searching for a change.

He found Buddhism.

I didnt know much about Buddhism, it was all fairly new, but I was excited to take the journey, Fishkin said. Overall, Im happy with my decision, and I will stick to it.

This was his second conversion in three years, having converted from Judaism to Christianity during his sophomore year. Fishkin said his conversion to Buddhism was a mental challenge, and one he welcomed. He had to change his values to something different in order to find light on the other side. He feels that he has emerged stronger through the journey.

According to the National Geographic Society, Buddhism is centered on the belief that human life is a cycle of suffering and rebirth, where an individuals soul is born again into a different body based on how they lived their past life, which is called karma. However, through techniques such as meditation, good behavior, and spiritual and physical labor, one can achieve nirvana. Nirvana is Buddhists term for a state of enlightenment.

I found myself again, and its clearly showing in my tennis game this season, and I hope it continues, Fishkin said.

Lehigh Mountain Hawks Gary Fishkin, left, and Marc Blekhman speak during their No. 2 doubles match Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Lewis Tennis Center. Fishkin and Blekhman lost, 7-6 (7-5), against Colgates Nick Potter and Rohan Gupta. (Sophie Baraker/B&W Staff)

Being one of two seniors on the team, Fishkin is a leader to his teammates. Last season, Fishkin went 2-0 in singles at the No.6 spot and was the one who delivered the teams walk-off win in the Patriot League quarterfinals against Boston University. This season, Fishkin is 5-4 in doubles and 9-3 in singles after Sundays 7-1 dual win against Colgate.

Fiskin notes a change in his on-court performance and said he has noticed a steady change in his off-court mentality, as well, specifically in the classroom.

I have seen a change, especially from last season to this season, Fiskin said. Im finding a better rhythm, and Im thinking clearer on the court.

Lehigh senior Gary Fishkin, right, and first-year Marc Blekhman adjust the score during their doubles match against Colgate on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at Lewis Tennis Center. They were defeated, 7-6 (7-5). (Katie McNulty/B&W Staff)

This change in Fishkins play has not gone unnoticed.

He is definitely more calm and collected on the court and thinks through problems much better than before, junior teammate Matt Kleiman said. I also think he has had a much more positive mindset in the way he acts on and off the court.

Sophomore teammate David Missry says converting has helped Fishkin find an inner peace, and rather than having a negative outlook when he plays poorly, it has become more neutral, which then allows positive thoughts back in.

I think it was a very good change for him, Missry said. I know we all support him and are happy for him making that decision for himself.

Fishkin is known to be the clutch player for the team. Against Colgate, he won his No. 4 singles match for Lehigh, which ultimately sealed the Mountain Hawks win, as he defeated Benito Vlassis, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1.

He is a very positive player who makes sure that his teammates are also staying positive, Missry said. He just comes through when we need him.

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Journey toward change leads men's tennis player to Buddhism - The Brown and White