By Emily Salvatori, Editor
The women’s tennis team are ranked sixth in the Atlantic Region as of April 18. This year, four seniors on the Women’s Tennis team will be graduating: Ekaterina Pinchuk, Ana Berbel, Alaina Pauley and Lisa Nachtwey will all be saying goodbye to the hilltop this May.
Q: What is your favorite memory from being a part of the tennis team?
A: Being on West Liberty tennis team is one of the best things that happened in my life. I met friends there, traveled, and got so many fun memories. I am grateful to have such a nice coach and very supportive and funny teammates for all 4 years I have been a part of the team. The funniest was always dinners and ice cream sessions after matches. Girls pushed each other to eat more.
Q: What advice do you have for students who will join the team next year?
A: Enjoy! You are going to be a part of the friendliest team in the world. And do your best contributing to the team’s effort.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I am going to work for a year, reflect on my future plans. Going to get a master degree at some point.
Q: What is your favorite memory from being a part of the tennis team?
A: My favorite memories are the ones that we have from the long trips that we have had to Hilton Head and Atlanta. Being together for so long makes up for some good laughs.
Q: What advice do you have for students who will join the team next year?
A: Be ready to handle a lot of workload and practice but know that it’s worth it.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I’m not sure what my plans are yet. I may stay for a year to do my OPT [Optional Practical Training] in America.
Q: What is your favorite memory from being a part of the tennis team?
A: My favorite memory was from this year of going to the US Open and being in a Roger Federer promo.
Q: What advice do you have for students who will join the team next year?
A: I would advise people joining the team next year to handle your free time well in terms of homework as being on the team takes up more time than you think.
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: My plans after graduation are to move to New York City.
Q: What is your favorite memory from being a part of the tennis team?
A: My favorite memories with the team include all four spring breaks as well as the two trips to New York. Traveling with my teammates and getting to spend lots of time with each other always brought the team closer together. I just had so much fun with all the girls on the team and laughing with each other always distracted me from the stress I was under due to school.
Q: What advice do you have for students who will join the team next year?
A: In the tennis team, people from different cultural backgrounds come together – be open to different opinions and different ways of doing things. We can all learn from each other. Plus we are all girls and conflict is hard to avoid. Learn to compromise and just enjoy the ride! You’ll find some great friends in your team mates!
Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: I am going back to Germany to get my masters degree in molecular medicine. I’ll probably still be in school for quite a while so this is as far as I want to look into the future currently. I am excited to live close to my family again!
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
