TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

I wanted to come to the United States from the first year in college, but I decided to start in Romania. Then I talked to Andreea Novaceanu’s brother and asked him how she got here. He got me in contact with her and I e-mailed Andreea and we started talking. In the end, coach called me and liked me when she interviewed me and she heard that I was a good player and that is how I got recruited.

2. What is it like to have two teammates who are also from your home country?

That’s amazing. It is like having a little part of Romania with me here. Especially because we have a good sense of humor in Romania, in general, and that is what I miss from Romania. Having Andreea as a roommate is also a really amazing thing.

3. UB is hosting the upcoming MAC Tennis Championships; does it give your team an advantage to be playing at home?

Yes, because we are familiar with the courts and we are aware of all the exterior factors of the courts. For example, we know how the wind usually blows. Also, we are going to have friends and family there to support us. For me, my mom is coming to see me play for the first time at UB so I am really excited about that.

4. Your team has advanced to the finals of the MAC Tournament the last two years. What have you learned from those experiences that will help you going into this year’s tournament?

I learned that taking care of business on your own court is the best way to help the team. You have to fight in every single match and on every single point is the most important thing you can do.

5. With the weather getting warmer and matches beginning to be played outdoors, do you have to adjust the way you play at all, outdoors vs. indoors?

Yeah, definitely. If you know how to use the sun and the wind you have a big advantage. If you are the smarter player on the court and you use the sun and wind to your advantage you can win points easier than if you don’t use them.

6. Which do you prefer to play, singles or doubles?

I played most of my career as a singles player but now playing at UB and getting the chance to play doubles I have started to love doubles. I enjoy having a partner it is different but it is an amazing feeling. It is a totally different game, but I like it.

7. Is there any tennis player who you try to pattern your game after?

She doesn’t play anymore but it is Martina Hingis. What I like about her is that she seemed like the only player that would play smart. She also always seemed like she was enjoying tennis. She would smile all the time on the court. I love the way that she would win, she always seemed relaxed and like everything was very natural.

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

I try to get myself pumped up somehow because I tend to be a slow starter. I listen to music, I drink a Gatorade or coffee to get some energy and I usually make jokes with the team to try to get myself into a good mood.

9. What has been your favorite moment so far as a student-athlete at UB?

I know that most of my teammates would say getting to the finals of the MAC Tournament but for me the best moment was when we were selected as team of the year. Being the team that accomplished the most for UB was a great feeling and being on that stage with my team, representing UB was a great moment.

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

I like to spend time with my friends, watching movies or going to watch other sports here at UB, I do that a lot with my teammates.