General Information

1. City: Emeryville, baby!
2. Rank: 4.0
3. Gender: Female
What got you started with tennis?

My immediate and extended family members are athletic and active, so I grew up playing all kinds of sports. Tennis was something I played here and there but not consistently until I got to high school. I played singles all 4 years, was the league doubles champ as a junior and the singles champ as a senior. After high school, I pretty much put my racquet down and focused on basketball. I decided 3-4 years ago I wanted to pick tennis up again and found the GLTF through a web search. (Translation: I wanted to meet hot, athletic chicks.)
What helped you grow your own game most?

It wasn't until i quit my job last July and started playing 4-5x/week that I really started to see improvement in my game... and to gain a clearer understanding of what I want from tennis. Although I like to win just like anyone else, I get so much more out of a) playing well and b) helping others grow their game.
What have you done personally to help grow the game?

I've volunteered in one form or another with the GLTF since I became a member -- on the board, as a tournament co-director, as a USTA captain. I think it's important to contribute in that way and provide opportunities to our members to play, to meet other tennis players and to improve their games.
What do you like most about tennis?

There's the huge social aspect, for sure. And, I can't ignore the gratification of a perfectly played point!
Do you have any tennis goals?

I'd like to keep improving my consistency, mental toughness and my fitness. At the same time, I'm getting as much out of it as I'm putting in right now -- and that feels great.
What is your favorite [racquet/surface/tournament/shot]?

I'd like to make it to each of the Grand Slams (as a spectator, of course) before too much more time passes. I've heard the Australian Open is the most fun, and it seems the perfect time to get away from winter here and head to the sun and warmth.
When you aren't playing, what else do you like to do?

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to eat and drink. I also really enjoy keeping up with friends face to face. Combining those 2 things works really well here in the Bay Area -- there's always a new restaurant to try or a familiar one to re-visit. I'm also close to my family, so I try to see them every couple of weeks. And, I took advantage of 7 months of being unemployed to travel; I'd very much like to keep doing that.