Aurora University Athletics

Hometown: Oglesby, Ill.
High School: LaSalle-Peru High School
Team: Women’s Tennis
Major: Social Work
Minor: Biology and Psychology
 
What is your favorite sports moment at AU?
My favorite sports moment at AU that I will always remember was Fall 2012 season when we beat our rival Benedictine, 5-4 as a team. It was a very close match up and we came out in the end. That moment taught me that as a team we have to keep ourselves motivated and to keep looking up when it comes to really close match ups.
 
What is your most memorable academic experience at AU?
My most memorable academic experience at AU would have to be getting a 4.0 gpa and completing my Biology and Psychology minors last semester with 17 hours
 
Why did you choose to attend Aurora University?
I chose to attend Aurora University because when I stepped on campus it felt like it was the right fit for me. The overall atmosphere and the people were all genuinely nice and helpful. Another part was that I had the opportunity to keep playing the sport I love, tennis
 
Who is your all-time favorite athlete and why?
Michael Jordan because I grew up loving the Chicago Bulls in my household, one of my favorite quotes by Michael Jordan: "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed". He is my all-time favorite athlete because he symbolizes that no matter how many times you fail through perseverance, dedication, and drive you can get up and be better. This motivates me to be a better version of myself, on and off the court.
 
What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class has to be all my social work classes this semester because I changed my major last semester and through all of the classes I feel like I found my niche and I am learning a lot about my future career path.

Who is your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor over the course of my time here at Aurora University has to be Dr. Hans Beck because I have taken Biology courses with him. I always learn so much in his classes and I will always remember his classes because of how passion and helpful he is. Dr. Beck will always take time out of his way to help and his enthusiasm is contagious.
 
Other than the sport(s) you play, what other sports activity are you good at?
I use to run track junior high through high school, I was a sprinter. I also played lacrosse for one year here at AU and my position was attack.

Outside of sports, what is your favorite hobby?
My hobbies include concerts, traveling, hiking, shopping, reading, volunteering, and learning about different cultures.

What is your favorite meal in the cafeteria?
My favorite meal in the cafeteria is Tofu Curry and White Rice.

Who is your role model?
My role model is mom, Joy. She sacrificed so much to be where we are now. She is hard working, supportive, and self-less.

What do you enjoy most about practice?
I enjoy practice because it is a time where I can work on improving myself and working with my partner in doubles.

What do you like least about practice?      
I am not a morning person so I do not like the 6am early morning practices.

What are your plans/goals after graduation?        
This is my senior season when it comes to Tennis but I have to stay an extra year because I switched my major. After I graduate, I want to get into an accelerated Master's program in specializing in leadership and development (Macro Social Work) and a graduate assistantship.
 
Do you have any pregame rituals?
As a tennis team, we say a quote before every meet and we all have on the same ribbon in our hair. This has been a tradition since my sophomore year. We also have a bedazzled tennis ball that we have to have at the meets.
 
What will you remember most from your college career?           
I will remember the connections and the relationships I have build with my team and coaches through my college tennis career here at AU. When I was a freshman through now my senior year, I have changed as a person on and off the court through the positive influences that my teammates, Coach McKenzie, and Coach Hastings has had throughout my four years on the tennis team.
 
As a senior, what advice would you give to freshman at AU?     
An advice that I would give to freshman is to never be afraid to ask for help. I felt ashamed and embarrassed, and I would not ask for help or ask the questions. Through that I would struggle whether it was on or off the court. When I finally learned throughout the years that it is okay to ask for help and questions, everything is easier. Never be afraid to ask because 9 times out of 10 someone will be there to answer or give you support.

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