Roster:
Jane Ziecik – Junior
Mollie Fox – Sophomore
Kerry Hu – Sophomore
Arthur Ozga – Senior
Alex Gruskin – Junior
Maxwell Lebauer Rothman – Sophomore
Teams defeated this season: Everybody
Q: How did you first hear about the Tennis on Campus program? What made you decide to actively take part and also become a leader on your campus? How do you feel about TOC and being a captain?
My former doubles partner and good friend Kyle Zhu introduced me to the Tennis on Campus program my freshman year on campus. He introduced me to the team and encouraged me to try out, and I immediately fell in love with the program. Tennis on Campus has been an invaluable part of my college experience, and because of this, I knew I wanted to give back to the team that has given so much to me.
Q: How did you enjoy your National Championships experience last year?
The National Championships are always one of my favorite events of the school year. Last year we improved our performance in the tournament, however we look forward to really doing some damage this year. As for the off the court Nationals experience, all I can say is :-)
Q: What does it mean to be back? Was it a more difficult road to return to Nationals?
Our team very much values the opportunity to compete again at this year’s Nationals and see many of the teams that we have developed close relationships with. We were lucky enough to capture our regional title this year, and feel that we can ride that momentum to a great finish at Nationals. We also hope to send our one senior, Arthur Ozga, off into retirement in style.
Q: In what ways has your team improved this year?
We return four of our six players from last year, and because of this our team has developed a chemistry that makes every weekend spent competing in Tennis on Campus a tremendous joy. Also if you have the chance, watch Max Rothman hit a few serves over the course of the weekend. Guarantee you’ll enjoy what you see.
Q: What do you tell new players about Nationals, or players that are traveling for the first time to compete for your school?
We tell them to win, both on and off the court. But we also tell them that there is no experience quite as fun as hitting the roads with your teammates.
Q: Does your team actively use social media to stay connected? If so, what social media platforms are your favorites? Does your team use social media in any special way that you feel sets you apart from other teams?
Our team does not have any particularly active social media outlets, but Zach Gross, team senior, can tweet with the best of them.
Q: Do you have many seniors on your team? Do you think they know about opportunities after graduation like “Sets in the City” or young adult social leagues? Do you think anyone on your team would be interested in starting one?
Our team has one senior, and unfortunately his body is quite beat up after all of the years of tennis. However, I am sure that he will continue to play following his move to Seattle in the fall.
Share with us some of the ways you help out in the local and global communities in the name of tennis.
Our team traditionally holds fundraisers throughout the school year, partnering with local businesses to raise awareness and money for various social causes. We also participate in Giving Blue Day, during which the many club sports teams at the university come together to participate in a day of sports with the handicapped community of Ann Arbor at Oosterbaan Fieldhouse.
Share with us a funny story about the 2015 team or team member(s).
Our team believes humor is a luxury saved only for the National Champions.
If a local newspaper was to write a story about your team what is the one thing you’d want to make sure they included?
We’d hope they notice how much fun we all have throughout the weekend.
