Alumni Spotlight: Adriti Gulati

Emory Oxford Athletics announces its next alumni spotlight, Adriti Gulati. She was a member of the women's tennis team from 2010-2012. In 2011, she was instrumental to Emory Oxford winning its first women's tennis national championship. Adriti was the lone Eagle to win her singles flight at the tournament and she also won her doubles flight. She was named a First-Team All-American for both singles and doubles.

What do you do now? Where do you live?

I work for a tech company called HubSpot in Boston, MA. I'm on their marketing team, in charge of creating video education on all things customer service. Before HubSpot, I worked for a non-profit college access program in Chicago. 

What were some factors in you choosing Oxford College of Emory University?

I distinctly remember visiting the Oxford booth at a college fair I went to. The student I talked to left such a wonderful impression on my mind - she was energetic, charismatic, and couldn't stop talking about how wonderful Oxford is! After doing more research, it seemed that Oxford offered the best of both worlds - a small, liberal arts feel for the first two years (where I could play on the tennis team!), followed by a larger university setting with incredible resources later on. 

Can you reflect on your experiences as a student-athlete at Oxford?

I have always thought the easiest way to make a community is through sports - my time on the Oxford tennis team is no different. Not only did I make great friends during this time, but we also accomplished something really cool together - winning NJCAA championships! Everything we did - from two-a-day practices to spending hours in the car together traveling to tournaments - made us better teammates and friends. 

Who at Oxford made an impact on your life? (Professors, Coaches, Faculty)

Coach Feldman is the faculty member I spent the most time with. Because we had practice every day, he was there through it all - new partners and break-ups, acing classes and tough tests. For one of our home tournaments, he even made a flyer that was my family dog's face with the caption "Go watch my owner play!" He really got to know us as students and athletes but also took the time to know our families and friends too. He offered a home away from home.

Most memorable experience while at Oxford? 

Winning 2011 NJCAA championships! Also meeting my future husband, but that comes second :) 

What was the transition like from Oxford to the Atlanta Campus? 

It's been a few years, but I don't remember it being very tough. In fact, it was really exciting to live in a bigger city and not have to make sure we caught the 2 am shuttle back on Friday nights! Most of my close friends were still folks I met at Oxford, and it was harder to get to know professors one-on-one, but it was a nice change going from a big-fish-in-a-small-pond to a small-fish-in-a-big-pond. 

The biggest difference was that it was harder to get leadership opportunities at the main campus than at Oxford. Things sort of fall in your lap at Oxford, and the opportunities seemed endless. At Emory, you had to be more intentional about going after what you wanted.

Outside of your professional career, what are some hobbies or interests that you like? 

I still play tennis when I can, but outside of that, I love to host gatherings (pre-Covid!), play pickleball, travel, eat Chinese food, and hike through New England.

How has the pandemic affected you?

I am very fortunate to have been able to work from home for nearly a year now. Like everyone, I haven't been able to see my family and friends as much, and it's been an adjustment for both my partner and I to be home constantly, but we're making it work.

My partner and I recently made the decision to postpone our wedding due to Covid, which is a very small consequence in the grand scheme of things. Overall, I'm very fortunate for my family and I to have stayed healthy during this time.

Is there any part of your student-athlete experience at Oxford that has been beneficial to you professionally?

Go after the opportunities that you want, even if you think you might be underqualified. I almost didn't try out for the tennis team because I didn't think I was good enough. There are so many times where I've struggled with imposter syndrome, and even times, I didn't apply for a job because I didn't think I was good enough. Being on the tennis team is a constant reminder that I was good enough, and I could have missed out on a great opportunity if I didn't suck it up and try out. I'm a firm believer in doing the prep work you can and faking it till you make it. 

Any advice to Oxford student-athletes academically and/or athletically? 

I'm so glad I took the plunge and tried out for the tennis team because it was one of the best experiences of my college career, and I use it as a humble brag all the time when people ask me about my college days! Know that everyone doubts themselves and their abilities, so take the plunge and try out even if you're a little curious. The best part about Oxford is you have more opportunities - whether it be leadership opportunities or sports, take advantage of all Oxford has to offer!