Getting to Know: The Freshmen – Ohio State Buckeyes
4/10/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 10, 2012
Kelsey Dieters
Published Feb. 19 in the Tennessee program
What is it like coming to Ohio State from Michigan?
My whole family went to Michigan State and a lot of my high school friends ended up going to Michigan, so everyone back home was a little unsure about it. They all knew Ohio State was a great school though. My friends would give me grief and we would go back and forth joking around at school. Now when people ask me where I’m from, I get mixed reviews. But I really like it and I’m glad I came here.
When did you know you were going to be a Buckeye?
There was one moment after my unofficial visit when my parents and I were leaving the Varsity Tennis Center and Coach Merzbacher walked us to our car. I really enjoyed the visit, the school and being around the girls on the team. I could tell Coach really cared about me as a player and he took care of his girls on the team. I did not get that feeling from a lot of other coaches, but he stood out to me and I knew I would be a good fit here.
How is the adjustment to the college game going?
I have noticed the game is much quicker compared to juniors. When I got to campus I focused on getting comfortable with the pace of shots. I tried keeping my backswings short to adapt to the speed. I have also learned you have to take any opportunity to move toward the net. If you don’t take the first opportunity, you are not as likely to win the point. In college, every point is huge.
What has been the best part about Ohio State so far?
The best aspect for me has been playing tennis and having an opportunity to play every day in a nice facility with my teammates. Just going to practice and knowing we are working together and winning as a team when matches come is great. It is also really nice seeing Melissa [Schaub] and Coach Merzbacher and working on my game every day.
What are your hobbies outside of tennis?
I like hanging out with friends, listening to music and watching movies. I did competitive dance before tennis. I started when I was 3 and competed until I was 16. It got to be too much with tennis and dance, but it was my main hobby before tennis. I started playing tennis at 5 and played in my first tournament at 8. I didn’t take it too seriously with tournaments until I was 11 or 12. After that, dance was on the backburner.
Do you have any superstitions?
Whenever I play I have to hold my racquet in the same way. I use Wilson racquets, so the curves on the bottom have to be facing my palm. The racquet is scratched and scraped all on the right side of the frame. Also, after warmups and before my match starts, I have to retie my shoes. During changeovers I eat Skittles with Coach.
What are your expectations for the rest of the season?
I want to keep improving my game and working on bringing it to the next level. I have noticed I’ve gotten a lot stronger and my game has progressed since I’ve been here. I am excited to see where it is going to be by the end of the season. I am also really excited for Big Ten season. It is something I have dreamed of for a while. I want to do my best and perform well this year.
Nicole Flower
Published Feb. 4 in the Syracuse program
After growing up down the street from Ohio State, what has being a student been like?
I think the atmosphere is a lot different. You don’t get the whole atmosphere and energy thing growing up around here. Just walking through the Oval with your high school orientation group, you don’t get it until you’re here in class and a part of the school. The spirit and excitement to be a Buckeye is something you can’t describe until you’re here. I grew up living and breathing Ohio State and I didn’t get it until I enrolled.
With both parents and your older sister, Kirsten, attending Ohio State, has that helped you adjust quickly?
I knew the grounds pretty well and my parents met here, my sister came here and I got to know the team a lot better because of that. It was easy for me to come and be comfortable and not be as wide-eyed as most freshmen.
What’s it like being coached by Coach Merzbacher?
It’s definitely different than juniors. I was with my coach for 12 years, so leaving him was a weird change. I definitely like the atmosphere Coach Merzbacher brings to our matches and practices. He says there is always something to learn. I think that’s why I was looking forward to college.
What has been the hardest part about redshirting this year?
When I committed, I was excited to finally put on the uniform and get on the courts. These courts are so special to me because I’m so proud of this program. I feel honored to be a part of something I’ve supported so long. Not being able to play is probably one of the toughest things I’ve gone through. I try not to regret my surgery because I know the next four years will be much better. I’d rather contribute to my team than limp through a college career.
What has this team taught you off the court since you joined?
I’m learning time management. Discipline is another big thing. Being a part of a college team, things like being late don’t affect just you. In juniors, that was just your problem. Playing or not playing, college makes you grow up.
What is your favorite thing about Ohio State?
My favorite thing about Ohio State is the people. After just one quarter here, I have met so many people, whether they are in my dorm, in my classes or other athletes. It is nice to share that passion of being at Ohio State with such a big group of people. It makes the experience so special.
How are you looking to improve personally in 2012?
I am trying to get stronger. I want to get to the point where I can get through a doubleheader. I lost a lot of muscle in my legs, so being able to go and do a leg workout would be nice. I get all my power from my legs, so it’s pretty important for me. Tennis-wise, I have a fresh start since I’m working on getting muscle memory back. If I get any bad habits, I want to wipe them out before it’s too late. I want to mature mentally on the court and learn how to play matches on this level.
