Bernell DorroughTwo in the morning may seem late to you, but it’s nothing to the No. 1 singles player on the Washington University women’s tennis team, Jenny Stein. That’s when Student Life caught up with the senior starlet to get the inside scoop on the wacky world that is WU women’s tennis.
Q: How long have you been playing tennis?
A: I have been playing competitively since I was 14, but I started playing a long time ago-maybe like ten years. Probably more than ten; I don’t remember for sure.
Q: What do you love about playing tennis?
A: I love competing in a sport, and I love playing for a team, and I really like everyone on the team, so it makes me like playing for our team even more.
Q: Who is your doubles partner? Is it Laura Greenberg?
A: Yeah.
Q: Do you guys have added chemistry because you are friends off the court, too?
A: Yes, we are really good friends. We have played together for the past three years, and we went to Australia together last semester.
Q: If you could change one thing about your athletic experience here at WU, what would it be?
A: It would be that I could play one more year. Since I transferred, I have four years of eligibility, but I am graduating at the end of the year, so [I would want] one more year of competitive tennis.
Q: Where did you transfer from and why? Do you think it was the right thing to do?
A: I transferred from University of Michigan because I thought my college experience could be better, and it was definitely the best move, since I have had an amazing three years at WU.
Q: I hear your siblings play tennis, too. If you played against them, who would win?
A: My brother plays tennis, but he is in high school. My sister used to play for Syracuse. [When we play,] I usually win… it used to be closer before she stopped playing.
Q: If you could change one thing about your academic experience at WU, what would it be?
A: Hmm… I can’t think of anything.
Q: What professional tennis player today do you most admire and why?
A: I would say Monica Seles because of her determination to come back after the stabbing incident and be successful as one of the top players in the world.
Q: If you could play one match on any court anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Australia would be great since I was abroad there, and I would love to go back there again whenever I have the chance.
Q: Do you know any cool Australian expressions?
A: ‘No worries’ is my favorite.
Q: If you could go on a date with any professional tennis player, who would it be and why?
A: Hmm… that’s a tough question. I don’t know.
Q: What about Andy Roddick? His nickname is A-Roddick, you know, like erotic?
A: I’ve never heard of that nickname! I guess it would be cool to go on a date with him, though.
Q: Describe the ideal tennis outfit.
A: Shorts and a t-shirt.
Q: Oh, okay, so you’re not a fan of the whole Anna Kournikova outfit thing? Is she the real deal or just another blonde bombshell?
A: She’s talented, but not one of the top players. She gets a lot of publicity for not winning any of the major tournaments.
Q: Do you prefer to play tennis indoors or outdoors?
A: I like playing outdoors a lot more-with the sun and everything. I think tennis is made to be played outside.
Q: What’s your best playing surface?
A: Clay is probably my best surface, but it takes time to get used to, so I really like playing on hard courts.
Q: What is it like to play for coach Imergoot?
A: It’s been fun. She always comes up with new ways to help us think about tennis, and she really cares about everyone on our team.
Q: You guys have had a lot of 9-0 victories this year. Do you ever feel bad for the other team on those days?
A: No, you can’t feel bad for the other team since you are both trying your hardest, and someone has to win, and someone has to lose.
Q: What is your favorite shot?
A: My down the line forehand-lately it has been working pretty well. I’ve been really confident in that shot this season.
Q: Okay, last question. How many tennis balls can really fit in those pockets in you guys’ shorts? Those things are amazing!
A: That’s a random question! It’s actually only two!