What type of music do you usually listen to in order to pump yourself up for a match?

I have a different taste in pump-up music, if you can call it that. Before a tournament or match, I usually pull out the iPod and listen to any type of country. It might not be considered pump-up music, but it gets me in the right mindset and it works for me.

Do you have any weird or bizarre superstitions before a match?

Besides listening to music, I have to eat fruit before a match. My favorite pre-game meal is definitely the apple dipped in peanut butter. After the pre-game meal, I like to re-grid my racket before the match; it’s my most common pre-game ritual.

Who was your favorite athlete to watch growing up?

Definitely Justine Henin, a tennis player that is extremely fun to watch. I’ve grown up watching and learning from her. She has the best single-handed backhand in tennis, but I’ve learned a lot from her great attitude both on and off the court.

What’s the best solution to relieving any stress, whether it’s from school or tennis?

There are a couple things I do. Music is always key when I’m trying to relax and get away from it all, but I’ve also found that just taking a stroll helps a lot. After a practice, the team usually carpools with each other back to campus, but I decide to walk, and it gives me that time to be with myself, which everyone needs once in a while.

How does it feel to represent the Redbirds around campus?

I love it. I try to wear as much ISU gear as I can around campus. I don’t have too many tennis T-shirts but I usually just throw on a Redbird T-shirt instead. I feel a sense of pride when I wear the gear, because I work hard to represent what’s printed on each T-shirt.