Sport: Tennis
Year: Third
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Hicksville, New York
How Did You First Start Playing Tennis?
I actually started playing tennis after I had broken my ankle one too many times playing soccer. My mom wanted me to choose a new, non-contact sport, so I chose tennis.
Outside Of Playing Tennis, What Do You Like To Do?
Outside of tennis, I enjoy volunteering for organizations such as Autism Speaks and watching reality TV shows (after doing my homework).
Who Are Your Biggest Role Models?
My biggest role models are my parents. Whenever I am faced with adversity, whether it be on the court or in other aspects of my life, I think about how they would handle it. I’d like to think that I am as driven and hardworking as they are.
Are You A Fan Of Any Professional Teams?
I’m a huge New York Yankees fan thanks to my dad. I’m not really a fan of any other professional teams, but Rafael Nadal is easily my favorite tennis player.
Do You Have Any Sports-Related Superstitions?
I have my own weird superstitions when I’m playing a match. I always bounce the ball once with my racquet and twice with my hand before serving, I slap my leg before my opponent serves whenever I have a game point, and I must serve with the same ball if I won the previous point. If I don’t do these things, I really believe I would lose.
What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?
My favorite sports memory is when I won my match at the championship in my sophomore year of high school. Everyone else on my team lost, but it felt really good to win my match against a senior at first singles because I was favored to lose.