The Wisconsin Way: How Gabriel Huber Mastered the Balance of Elite Tennis and Finance in the Big Ten

"You jump into cold water, but you learn how to swim." When Gabriel Huber left the mountains of Tyrol, Austria, for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he knew he was heading for a challenge. What he didn’t know was that his journey would lead him from being a Division I standout to a Master’s graduate and, ultimately, an Assistant Coach for the Badgers.

The Power of the Team: "Automatic Energy Mode"

Coming from the individual-focused junior tennis in Europe, the energy of U.S. College Tennis was a revelation for Gabriel. At Wisconsin, tennis was no longer a lonely sport - it was a loud, high-stakes team battle.

"In European tennis, everyone is quiet. In the U.S., it’s normal - even encouraged - to get fired up and yell across six courts," Gabriel explains. "We define the energy for our teammates. When you’re at the end of your physical limit, having your team encourage you gives you those extra percentages to cross the finish line. I call it 'automatic energy mode' - once you’re out there, the team pulls you through."

Academic Excellence at a Top Business School

Wisconsin-Madison is home to one of the world's top business programs. Gabriel didn't just "get through" his studies. He thrived and completed a double major in Finance and Risk Management before pursuing his Master’s degree.

The transition to the U.S. academic system - which Gabriel describes as more structured and consistent than in Europe - required a high level of discipline.

"In the U.S., it’s like a marathon. You have midterms, finals, homework, and assignments all along the way. You have to be very disciplined and structure your life efficiently. You’re essentially competing against peers who aren't athletes and have more time to study. To get an 'A', you have to be better than the majority. That competitive drive from the court definitely translates to the classroom."

Gabriel credits his professors for sparking his passion for the investment industry, where he plans to build his career after tennis.

Life on a "Party School" Campus

Madison is famous for its vibrant social scene and 90,000-seat football stadium. For Gabriel, living on campus with four teammates in a shared apartment created bonds that will last a lifetime.

Gabriel's Advice to Young Tennis Players

After exhausting his eligibility, Gabriel stayed with the program as an Assistant Coach while finishing his Master’s. This transition allowed him to see the sport from a different perspective and give back to the next generation of Badgers.

For young players in Austria or elsewhere considering the college route, Gabriel’s message is simple: Embrace the resources and the growth.