Unafraid to speak
Academically, Leibsohn excelled in several fields, managing to "out-philosophize" the likes of Nietzsche and "out-curse" the likes of Sartre-in French, that is. Leibsohn always brought vim and vigor to the classroom. He was often found sitting quietly in the back of classrooms and then erupting with words of wisdom and thoughts of great complexity, always plainly and honestly spoken.
Perhaps Leibsohn is known best for his bluntness. Leibsohn never failed to say what he thought, and for this trait his opinion and voice were always highly respected on the College campus. This great respect for Leibsohn was more a product of fear when it comes to his opponents on the tennis court. Leibsohn introduced himself to NESCAC opponents freshman year, driving his powerful forehand past desperate competitors and smashing his forceful serve with grace.
Smashing success
But Leibsohn, despite his immense talent and focus, always drew the most attention to his eloquent on-court chatter. Sophomore year in a match against Middlebury, Leibsohn hit a crisp half-volley to win a point, then turned back to the crowd of Middlebury parents behind him and gave commentary: "textbook, just textbook."
Junior year Leibsohn fought a battle against the number two singles player for Connecticut College, a large foe who looked as though he'd lost his way to the football field and ended up on the tennis court. The two big servers slugged it out, playing intense points. A break of serve was like a Red Sox world championship: rare, very rare. Neither Leibsohn nor his opponent let up, diving for balls even while cramping, digging out drop shots early in games. Finally Adam's inner voice took hold. As he swung through a powerful overhead smash he bellowed, "Yahtzee!" The game was on.
While Leibsohn failed to pull out the match, the spirit and enthusiasm he brought to the court and to Amherst tennis with just one simple word, Yahtzee, was unmistakable. At the end of the match a Connecticut College mother screamed back, "Candyland for your maturity." And Candyland was right, for Leibsohn had helped his teammates sample the sweet taste of putting forth 110 percent on the court. This enthusiasm for the game and for competition was something Leibsohn always brought to Amherst tennis, and an attitude that quickly spread. As one co-captain said about him, "he's a fuckin' animal."
Senior year Leibsohn played number one singles, and grew as a leader of the team. In the match that may define his Amherst College tennis career, Leibsohn faced off against Trinity College's number one singles player, a tall, slim redhead with slick ground strokes, sharp volleys and a powerful serve. It was clear that Leibsohn had a tough battle ahead, and when he stepped onto the court it appeared that his match would be the deciding match of the contest. The match was held indoors, due to poor weather, and both teams huddled around the court, urging victory for their player. The first match had been played at 2 p.m., nearly eight and a half hours before Leibsohn would finally walk off the court, a testament to the exhausting battle of endurance that the match became.
When the match entered the third set, both teams watched in awe as both players hit outstanding shots under great pressure. Finally the Trinity College player seemed to have the upper hand, leading the third set tiebreaker 6-3, one point away from victory. But Leibsohn, calm and resolute as always, looked up before the point and slyly asked, "what's the score?" Upon learning that it was match point, Leibsohn propelled his game to a new level, hitting devastating shots that would have made the "Fermented Frogman" quite proud. When the match ended the Amherst team mobbed Leibsohn celebrating both his skill and his perseverance when the team needed it most.
Smile, you're on MTV
Adam worked last summer for MTV, and he looks to return this year, where with a break or two he may become the next big thing. But until then, Leibsohn will always be remembered on the College campus for being an all-around good guy, a fine contributor to the school both on and off the court and a terrific friend, filled with honesty, kindness and yes, a good deal of wit.