TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I started playing tennis at the age six when my parents decided that both my brother and I needed to play sports to be active and healthy.

2. How did you end up coming to UB from Romania?

In the last couple of years, I thought about studying abroad, especially in the US. I was really lucky because my former coach knows Andreea's (Novaceanu) father and that is how all started. One day my coach came to me and said, "I think you might have a chance to go to US". I was so excited. I immediately sent an e-mail to Andreea and then I got into contact with Kathy (Twist) and here I am.

3. How much does it help your transition to living in the United States to have two fellow Romanians on the team?

The fact that I have Sma (Smaranda Stan) and Dre (Andreea Novaceanu) next to me is crucial. They have helped me so much in my transition here. They made me feel at home. I have someone next to me to speak with, in Romanian, whenever I felt home sick

4. You were very successful during the fall season, finishing with an 11-1 singles record. How have you been able to be so successful in your first season of college tennis?

As long as you are serious and dedicated, the results come by themselves sooner or later. I have dedicated all my time to school and tennis. I knew from the very beginning that this is not going to be a game anymore. I don’t have my parents next to me to solve my problems when I make some mistakes. Therefore, I have to give my best in everything and that is how the results came

5. Do you have a pre-match routine and if so, what is it?

I really don't have a pre-match routine but I always try to avoid looking at my opponent's warm-up. I try to focus on myself and my game. I also never laugh too much before a match...just a little superstition of mine

6. What are your goals for the rest of the season?

My goals are to get stronger mentally, to win all my matches, and to support my teammates.

7. Buffalo was chosen as the favorite to win the MAC this year. Does that high expectation add any pressure to your team this year?

The fact that we were chosen as favorite is not that important because that is just on paper. We are going to prove it through our game that we are ready to win the MAC.

8. UB is hosting the MAC Championship this year, is it an advantage to know that the championship will be played in a venue you are familiar with?

Definitely, yes. We are playing home, on our courts that we are used to. In my case, I always like to play home; it adds more excitement to the game.

9. If you could play any other sport at UB, what and why?

This is a hard question. Maybe basketball because all my friends back home are former basketball players and we used to play a lot just for fun. But I like swimming too even though I am not that good of a swimmer.

10. What do you like to do in your free time?

I share my free time between my family especially, my friends and my books. I talk a lot on the internet with the people back home. I have made many friends here and I enjoy a lot spending time with them too. I also love to read South American writers like Isabel Allende, Paulo Coelho, and Gabriel Garciz Marquez, they are my favorites.