Why did you choose to attend Colby?
I chose to attend Colby because of the strong balance between academics and athletics. When I first visited Colby on my recruiting trip, I was absolutely blown away by the athletic facilities and how beautiful the campus is. I immediately knew Colby was the perfect fit where I could challenge myself both in the classroom and on the court. Coming from California, I was excited by the idea of living in a completely different environment and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. The people at Colby made the campus feel so welcoming right away and have played a big role in making my experience at Colby so meaningful and worthwhile!
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III athlete because it allowed me to pursue tennis at a high level while still leaving space to explore who I am beyond the sport. Tennis is something I'm deeply passionate about, but it doesn't define me entirely. Having that balance has helped me grow as an athlete and person, and has made my love for tennis even stronger.
What is the best thing about being part of the NESCAC?
The best thing about being part of NESCAC is definitely the high level of competition combined with the strong sense of community. Competing against top teams pushes us to be your best, and traveling around the East Coast has allowed me to experience places I’d never been before, especially seeing the leaves change in the fall! The NESCAC community is also incredibly close-knit, even beyond college and there's always this instant connection when you meet someone who goes to or went to a NESCAC school.
You have a blank canvas, paint your perfect day. What does it look like?
My perfect day starts on a sunny summer morning with a high of 75 degrees. I wake up and make myself my favorite breakfast consisting of eggs with avocado toast before spending a few hours playing tennis with friends in Malibu. After, we jump straight into the ocean and spend the afternoon at the beach, swimming and soaking up sun. On the drive home we blast our favorite music and end the day at home eating my moms famous sushi!
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
I am deeply involved with the nonprofit ACEing Autism, an organization that uses tennis to support children with autism! I first got involved at a young age through my love for tennis, and over the years my role has grown alongside my passion for the program! ACEing Autism has allowed me to combine my passion for tennis with my studies in psychology and my love for working with kids, making it one of the most meaningful parts of my life.
What’s your go-towarmup song?
Can't Hold Us by Macklemore
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Tennis is something I never get tired of because it truly is a life long sport. It's a game you can play at any age, and I love the idea of still being on the court years from now and one day watching my own kids play. Being able to compete at this level is something that I am deeply grateful for and will forever cherish. Tennis has made me who I am today and taught me many invaluable lessons throughout my life, given me lifelong friendships, created many opportunities and ultimately led me to Colby. Teaching tennis and watching the sport at every level continue to deepen my love for the game.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
The most interesting part of my psychology major has been realizing how deeply embedded it is in everything. Psychology shows up in everyday interactions, relationships, athletics, and decision making, especially as a student athlete. Being able to apply what I learn in the classroom to both my sports and daily life has made the major especially meaningful to me. The experience has been made even more meaningful by the engaged and passionate professors who are deeply invested in their students and the field.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
Being a student athlete has taught me to take life one point at a time. In tennis it is inevitable that there will be ups and downs throughout a match just as there are in balancing academics, athletics, and everyday responsibilities throughout college. Learning to stay present in these challenging moments and trust myself under pressure helped me navigate and balance academics and athletics with resilience and confidence.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
My favorite place on campus is definitely the athletic center! So many of my favorite memories have been made there, and it's where I get to see my friends and teammates everyday, whether it's at practice, lifting, or in the training room. Being there reminds me of my role at Colby as a student-athlete and the discipline, commitment and community that comes with it all!
