The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
UT alum Capt. Jake Frederick killed in F/A-18C crash
12.10.2016 | Men's Tennis
Former manager of Texas Men's Tennis went on to become a fighter pilot for the U.S. Marine Corps.
• "Marine F/A-18C Pilot Killed in Japan Identified." Stars and Stripes. 8 Dec. 2016.
The University of Texas at Austin mourns the loss of U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18C pilot Capt. Jake Frederick, 32, who was killed Wednesday when his fighter jet crashed off the coast of Japan.
"Capt. Frederick embodied the values we try to instill in all alumni -- commitment, dedication and bravery. He died serving his nation," said President Gregory L. Fenves. "We grieve for his family and for all members of the UT family whose lives were made better by knowing and working with Capt. Frederick."
A native of Corpus Christi, Frederick graduated from UT in 2008. During his time at UT, Frederick majored in petroleum engineering, served as manager of the Texas Men's Tennis team, and met his future wife, Kiley. The Fredericks have a young son and are expecting a second child.
"Jake was the most solid and passionate person I knew. He was a true family man focused on flying jets," said childhood friend and former Texas Men's Tennis player Dr. Hubert Chodkiewicz. "He passed fulfilling his dream which few accomplish. We lost a great patriot. I grieve for him and his family."
Texas Men's Tennis head coach Michael Center developed a strong admiration for Frederick during his time with the tennis program. "Jake was a great team player," said Center. "He would stay up all night to finish a task and never complain. I knew he was destined for greatness. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We lost a very special person."
Main photo: U.S. Marine Corps pilot Capt. Jake Frederick (left) was killed in an F/A-18C crash off Japan. His brother, Joe Bob Frederick (right), swore in Jake at his commissioning ceremony on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. (Photo courtesy of the Frederick family)