Meet Tatum Rooks | Student-Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tatum Rooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tatum, what’s your definition for success?
I think everyone defines success differently. For some people, success is simply achieving a goal. For others, it’s going beyond that goal. To me, success isn’t just about reaching a milestone, it’s about what you do after you get there. When you accomplish something you’ve worked hard for, you prove to yourself that you’re capable of more. Instead of becoming comfortable, you should use that achievement as motivation to set an even higher goal. For example, if an athlete’s goal is to win a state championship, many people would say they’ve become successful once they earn that state championship title. I think that’s just the beginning. To me the success is to use that accomplishment to push for something greater—whether that’s becoming a national placer or continuing to improve in other ways.

To me, success is in the journey, not a destination. It’s about reaching your goals, continuing to challenge yourself, and always striving to become the best version of yourself.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is my work ethic. I’ve learned that talent can only take you so far—it’s the work you put in every day that makes the biggest difference. Even when I feel discouraged or like I’m going to fail, I keep showing up and giving my best. The thing I’m most proud of is how much I’ve grown as a wrestler. My journey hasn’t been easy, and I definitely didn’t get here overnight. The biggest thing for me was to overcome the mental challenges. There were many times when I questioned myself and wanted to quit, but I kept reminding myself why I started Looking back now, I’m so thankful I didn’t give up because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Sometimes you work incredibly hard and don’t see results right away, but that doesn’t mean you’re not improving. Growth takes time, and if you stay consistent and keep believing in yourself, the results will come. That’s why, like I said before, I believe success is found in the journey, not the destination. Every practice, every setback, and every challenge is part of becoming the person and athlete I’m striving to be. It’s also about who you become while working toward it. I also believe it’s important to communicate with the people around you—your coaches, teammates, teachers, and family. I’ve learned so much by asking questions, accepting feedback, and leaning on the people who support me.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about my story, it’s that nothing worth achieving comes easy. I’m still growing as an athlete and as a person, and every challenge has taught me the value of perseverance. There are days when I feel discouraged or doubt myself, just like anyone else. But I’ve learned that those moments don’t define me. What defines me is choosing to keep going. In the end, I know I’ll be proud of the work I put in because I never stopped believing in what I could become.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to give them a little bit of everything that makes Georgia special.
I’d start by taking them to Ponce City Market because it’s one of my favorite places to go because I can shop & just hang out there. We’d definitely have to eat at Hops Chicken—it’s one of my favorite eating spots. Another day, we’d spend the day at Six Flags because I love roller coasters and anything that gets my adrenaline going. Afterward, we’d go to La Madeleine, where I’d recommend the red sauce chicken pasta because pasta is my favorite food.
If they were up for some more adventure, we’d hike Stone Mountain. The view from the top is beautiful, and afterward, we’d stop by NY Deli & Juice Bar for a great meal. One day would definitely be spent at the Georgia Aquarium. We’d take lots of pictures, spend time watching all the sea life, and just enjoy the experience. After that, we’d grab dinner at Hungry AF.
To end the trip, we’d take a road trip to Savannah and Tybee Island. Savannah has so much history and charm, and we would experience one of its famous ghost tours since it’s known as one of the most haunted cities in America. We’d also explore the local shops, find some great places to eat, and end the evenings riding bikes around Tybee Island.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family and teammate does. They have always been there for me and helped me when times get tough. I am so grateful for them and I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.

Other: Don’t have any right now!

Image Credits
I don’t have any, they were taken by my parents.