My story on IU freshman women's tennis player Leslie Hureau's earning Ohio Valley Region Rookie of the Year honors ran in today's issue of the Indiana Daily Student.
Hureau had already began her journey home to France by the time we had decided to run the story, but I was able to contact her via email and get her reaction to garnering the distinction as well as her reflection on her freshman year.
What was your first reaction to being named Rookie of the Year?
LH: I didn't expect anything; I was not even aware that the [Intercollegiate Tennis Association] gives this award every year. I went to my coach's office for an end-of-the-year meeting and Ramiro (Azcui), our assistant coach, told me that I was named Rookie of the Year in the Ohio Valley Region. It was definitely a very nice surprise, a good end of the season.
How exciting is it to earn the honor?
LH: It is very exciting because the ITA named only 12 players in the whole country and a lot of very good schools and indeed many good players compete in our region so being chosen among all these freshmen is very nice. Now, this is an individual honor and even though it is always great to be recognized for my season, the most important thing is that the team as a whole does well and gets good wins. This is the goal.
You were really busy as a freshman, switching between singles and doubles and winning in both disciplines. What helped you do so well so soon?
LH: I think it is the fact that in college tennis, you don't play for yourself, you represent your team, your school. It is a great source of motivation and it makes you give your best every time you step on the court. You forget the tiredness, the injuries and you just try to bring your point. The fact that I really got along with my teammates also helped me. I had fun playing and traveling with them all year long. Finally, I have to thank the coaches, Ramiro Azcui and Coach (Lin) Loring, who really helped me make the transition to college tennis and gave me valuable advice on the court during matches and daily at practice.
You played No. 1 singles in 13 dual matches. Was there pressure playing in the top spot as a freshman?
LH: I would say that there was more excitement than pressure to play at the top spot because I had the chance to play against some of the top players in the country and I saw all the work I had to accomplish to reach this level. But I can't deny that I really felt the pressure during my first dual match even though it was not only because I played No. 1 that day. I remember playing Western Michigan for our first dual match this year at home and I played No. 1 in both singles and doubles. At the beginning of each match, I could barely serve because my hands were shaking, but after the first couple of matches it was not such a big deal. Tennis as it is played in college is a total team sport, so it doesn't really matter if you play No. 1 or No. 6. You just have to do your best to win your point.
How have you enjoyed your freshman year as a whole with tennis, school, living in the United States, etc.?
LH: Even though I had the chance to come for a visit last year, I didn't really know what to expect before coming in August, so I'm glad I had such a good year. Of course, it took me a while to adjust to a new country, a new language and being away from my family for so long. Also I was not used to spending that much time on the court. But after these first couple of months, everything was fine. This year had been great at every single level, and I really made a good decision when I chose to come to IU. I met great people, including my teammates. I had the opportunity to work with great coaches and at a school level it went well. I just love everything at IU, and I'll be happy to come back next fall.
