Follow women's tennis freshman Amy Simidian as she blogs throughout her rookie season, detailing her transition into college tennis and Penn State's 2009-10 season.
Have a question, comment, or feedback for Amy? Submit them to Kate Wiedie, the women's tennis team's athletic communications contact, at kkw5019@psu. edu and Amy will do her best to address them in a future blog entry.
BLOG INDEX
ENTRY #1: November 6, 2009 - Coming to Penn State
ENTRY #2: November 11, 2009 - Wrapping up fall play at the Purdue Invitational
ENTRY #3: January 13, 2010 - Getting ready for spring play
ENTRY #4: February 9, 2010 - Akron and Purdue matches
ENTRY #5: March 18, 2010 - Wichita State through Temple
ENTRY #6: March 31, 2010 - Spring break matches in Texas
ENTRY #7: April 19, 2010 - Road matches at No. 3 Michigan and Michigan State
ENTRY #1: November 6, 2009 - Coming to Penn State Hi! My name is Amy Simidian and I'm a freshman on the Penn State women's tennis team. This is the first of what I hope to be many entries about my experiences at Penn State. I hope this blog gives you a little taste of what life here is like through the eyes of a Penn State student-athlete. There are so many awesome things I can't wait to share, but before I begin, I'd like to provide a little background about me, who I am and where I'm from.
Despite moving around a lot, I call a small town in New Jersey home. Jersey may not seem like the greatest place to some people, but to me it's everything. Waking up to the New York skyline everyday is something you take for granted, and boy oh boy do I miss the pizza. However, what I miss most about home are the people I'm closest to--my mom, my cousins Tommy and Lauren, my Pop-Pop, my Uncle Ray and Aunt Cindy and my Nick (and his amazing family!). My mom is my backbone--she has been with me through life's toughest hardships. Nick is the newest addition to my heart. He motivates me do work hard and improve each day. Without these people in my life, I can assure you I wouldn't be where I am today.
As for tennis, I started playing when I was seven. My father had always wanted me to play a sport and so he asked me which one I would like to pursue. I was living in Florida at the time where tennis and golf were the main options. Golf didn't seem very interesting at age seven and so my tennis career began. Within two and a half years I had won my first national title. Being out on the court was such a rush--I loved competing. Tennis became my passion and I couldn't get enough.
Last year when I was looking at universities, I wanted to find a place that had the perfect balance of athletics and academics. Because tennis was such an important part of my life, I wanted to find a program that enabled me to further my game. I wanted to be challenged and pushed to my limits. Attending a school that was universally respected was also a top priority. To me, Penn State encompassed all of these qualities and so many more. Penn State is such an amazing place. The atmosphere is truly awesome and I'm proud to wear the blue and white.
This past August, a new chapter in my life began. I remember the car ride out to State College with Mom and Nick. I felt an entire mix of emotions; I was sad to leave home behind, as well as nervous and excited for the future and what was to come. I didn't have the slightest idea what to expect.
Being a Penn State student-athlete is hard word, but in my opinion a small sacrifice compared to the amazing opportunity it is. Playing on the Penn State team made me part of a new "family". I love our team, each one of us is so different and we all bring something unique to the table. We work hard, we have fun and I can't wait for the spring season. If we do all the right things, there is no limit to the potential of this team. I believe in us, I believe that all of the hard work is going to pay off.
The Purdue Invitational this weekend marks the end of our fall season. (I can't believe it's already been two months since school started. College is flying by!) Make sure and check back for updates! ☺
ENTRY #2: November 11, 2009 - Wrapping up fall play at the Purdue Invitational
Hi again!
This past weekend marked the end to our fall season at the Purdue Invitational. Our flight left the State College airport o Thursday at 9am. Along with the coaches, traveling to the tournament were Lauren McCarthy, Sarah Lotto, Kristen Roth, Allie Hefter, Maria Prishlyak, Michaela Stracar, Sarah Henderson, and myself. This was my first experience flying with the team and despite my fear of flying, it was pretty cool. Dressed in our gear, travelers who recognized us watched or shouted out encouraging words. I love that there is this universal support for Penn State. It makes you feel as if you are part of this giant family. Competing for the Lions is such a privilege.
By early afternoon, the team was loading racket bags into the rental cars in Indiana. There was still an hour drive to West Lafayette, so most of us went to sleep. After lunch and a light practice, we went to the hotel. The rest of the day was spent taking it easy, as we all wanted to be fresh for our morning matches. Friday was day one of the tournament. The schedule called for two rounds of doubles, followed by a round of singles. To me, the first day of any tournament is almost always the most challenging because you are still getting used to the courts and dealing with initial nerves. I guess our team was feeling similarly, as we didn't win any of our doubles matches. After a pep talk from the coaches and some reflection on our matches, we headed off to Panera for lunch.
By the afternoon, we were all feeling more confident, focused and had turned our attitudes around. At 3pm, we took on Michigan State. As a freshman, this was the first time I had played in a setting that was similar to dual format (1 through 6 line up). I have to say, it was extremely exciting! Playing your match next to your teammates, knowing that you are all fighting together for one another was a great feeling. Although Lauren and I had the only two wins of the day, everyone played with a lot of heart and left everything they had on the courts. Allie put up a great fight but lost 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) and Masha was edged out in a tough three setter as well. After dinner at Outback, we all returned to the hotel and went to sleep to recharge for Saturday.
Saturday was a long day for us - we were scheduled for one doubles and two singles. The first matches were to begin at 10am and play would continue until 8pm that night. I have to mention Lauren and Michaela's doubles match. They both went out there and fought incredibly hard, despite Michaela playing on a hurt leg. Coach always says we have to deal with adversity and they truly did an outstanding job, so kudos to them coming away with the 8-6 win. Our first round of singles matches was against Purdue followed by matches against Marquette. I won both of my matches. Masha lost 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 against Bahvani Tirumurti from Purdue. Against Marquette, Mickey (McCarthy) was also defeated 6-4, 6-7 (3), 1-0 (6). Both girls had opportunities and showed a great effort.
Sunday was the final day of the tournament and our fall season. Personally, I believe we finished on a high note. There was such a positive energy out there on the courts and it showed in our results. After I beat my opponent from Purdue, I joined the other girls in cheering on Lauren who had just split sets. She was having yet another intense battle. In the end, she too came away with a win for the Lions, 6-0, 3-6, 1-0(8). Kristen was the last match on court and our whole team lined up and rallied for her. Our team cheered for Kristen as she pulled off win number three of the day in straight sets (6-3, 6-1)!
After the matches were over, our team headed to lunch at an awesome Mexican restaurant. When we finished eating, we all piled into the two vans and were off to the airport. Once we arrived, checked our bags, and got through security, we had about six hours to kill before our flight to Philadelphia. Our connection flight from Philadelphia touched ground around 11:55pm and after several painstaking hours of travel, the team was finally home. ☺
From now until January, our team will be in its off season. Individually and as a team, we had some great fall wins and tough losses. I think the girls should take away valuable lessons from the fall season and implement what they've learned in the spring. Personally, I believe the fall provided us with important experiences and we should use what we've accomplished as well as what we need work on as motivation. The challenge for us now is to move forward and not lose the training we've all worked so incredibly hard for!
ENTRY #3: January 13, 2010 - Getting ready for spring play
Greetings Penn Staters!
I hope you all had a fantastic break and that the New Year has brought upon new focus for the upcoming semester. The women's tennis team took full advantage of the break to spend quality time with their families and/or to travel to some awesome destinations. It was important chance for us to relax and regroup for the next few months. I think I can speak for the team when I say that break was a ton of fun, and we will miss our families a lot, but now we are ready for business.
It's been a while since I last filled everyone in. I believe last left off just as our fall schedule had ended and we were heading into our "off" season. For those of you who don't know, in our off season we only train eight hours a week as opposed to twenty. It is an efficient way of staying in shape without expending too much of the energy needed for spring season. Currently, we are headed back into our twenty hour weeks as we prepare for our first match against Bucknell.
The first week back has been very busy, though I feel that last semester prepared me for what was to come this time around. I've been finding my way around campus and getting adjusted to my new academic schedule. On the athletic side, no time is being wasted as we get the team ready to go--we have already had team practices, conditioning in Holuba Hall and lifting in the weight room. I can't wait for the fitness to pay off in those long three-set matches!
I am so eager to get the spring season underway. The team has been preparing for this from day one and it is almost here! Keep checking back for updates on the progress of our season.
ENTRY #4: February 9, 2010 - Akron and Purdue Matches
Hi Penn Staters!
Last week's match against Akron was my first of the spring season. Masha and Michaela pulled off two wins for the team and the rest of us put up a good fight. Despite the fact that we lost, I must say that everyone did a phenomenal job of coming out to support. Hearing the familiar "We are...Penn State," was really motivating. There was such an awesome energy and sense of unity out there; it made me proud to be wearing the blue and white. All I can say is keep it up guys!
A week later, we found ourselves in Indianapolis Airport, ready to battle another worthy opponent. Purdue was the first Big Ten Team on our schedule. We played a tournament at Purdue last fall, and it felt great to be back. At 2pm the doubles matches began. Playing at first doubles were McCarthy and Lotto. They were pitted against Michelle Sammons and Jennifer Rabot, two talented players who meant business. Down 0-4, Mickey and Lotto got off to a bit of a rough start, but then fought back to 4-6. At this point in the match, the girls played a tight game with a few chances before finally falling 8-4. Michaela and Masha lost at three doubles and although it was a bit disheartening, I think they know what they need to work on to get better.
Petra and I played at two doubles and we were excited to be playing together. Since the beginning of our freshman year, Petra and I have been great friends and I think we share a lot of the same goals when it comes to tennis. Against Purdue, our goal for two doubles was to have fun and take names. A few aces, some awesome volleys, a couple fist pumps and one intimidating cheer fest later, we pulled out a win for the team 8-4.
In singles, Pet grabbed the first win for the team. Soon after that Lotto lost. Masha pushed her match to a third set on court three. Mickey had won her first set and appeared to be cruising. Then I clinched the second set of my match to take another win for the team. Hendo had won her first set 6-4 and for a good half hour I believed the win was ours. Unfortunately the momentum began to shift for Purdue after Mash lost her tough three setter. Then Hendo and Mickey went to three sets and although our team lost 5-2, the end result was a lot closer than the final score showed. Of course the team isn't satisfied, but I'm optimistic because we were just that close.
Currently, the team is making its way back to State College in two Nissan Quests. Quest would be a fitting word for the 12 hour drive we are undertaking. One freak blizzard, two feet of snow, shut down airports and too many cancelled flights to count have landed us on this crazy journey home. As we inch along at 19 measly per hour, Evan drinks his vanilla double shot energy drink, Mickey takes command of the music and Michaela catches up on some much needed sleep. Coach is ahead of our car with the rest of the team. All this time we're spending in the car has given me a chance to reflect on the team. As I'm thinking about our season there's only one thing you all can be absolutely sure of.
You can be sure that we aren't going anywhere. We know what we need to work on, and will continue to do so. I know our day is coming. The season is young and it's just a matter of time.
ENTRY #5: March 18, 2010 - Wichita State through Temple
Hi all!
It has been a while since I last gave an update, and a lot has happened. I hope I can fit everything in! I believe I last left off somewhere close to the beginning of our spring season. Now we are more than halfway through and the weeks are just flying by, but before I begin I would like to extend a special congratulation to my fellow teammate Petra on her national ranking. So big Pet! Since I last wrote, the team has been competing hard. We've taken some hits but we're keeping our heads to the grindstone and improving every day. Our schedule has been tough, but with purpose. Playing against tougher schools is helping prepare us for Big Ten season.
Wichita State and Oklahoma were our first matches post-Purdue. They proved to be very formidable opponents, but despite the scores, I felt we held our own. At Oklahoma I had the pleasure of meeting a Penn State alumnus. Although he had moved to Oklahoma, he came to the match in PSU gear and supported our team. In our short conversation, he made a point of highlighting the fact that one of the most amazing aspects of Penn State was the fact that once you are a Penn Stater, you are always a Penn Stater. The feeling like part of a family stays with you after graduation and never leaves.
The following weekend we played Marshall and Boise State. Once again, they were very distinguished teams who came to our courts ready to fight hard. Petra grabbed two big wins that weekend, defeating Michaela Kissell (Marshall) 6-4, 6-2 and Pichittra Thongdach (Boise State) 6-0, 7-5. McCarthy also pulled off a great win against Boise State Marlena Pietzuch 6-4, 7-6.
Virginia Commonwealth was the next opponent on our schedule. I was very excited to be playing again after recently coming off a hamstring pull. Petra pulled out another win and I won my match as well. The following Friday, the team was set to play Ohio State. We were pumped for our second Big Ten match of the season. Lotto and I were placed at first doubles and I was excited to be playing with her. We stayed with Ohio State's number one doubles team for the first half of the pro set and then the Buckeyes ran off with the win. In singles, everyone had very tight matches but unfortunately lost. No. 67 Kirsten Flower (OSU) beat Petra 6-2, 7-6(5). I lost 6-2, 7-6(4). Kelsey Haviland (OSU) topped Masha 6-4, 6-3. Christina Keesey (OSU) beat McCarthy 7-5, 6-1. Hendo lost to Gabby Steele (OSU) 6-1, 6-3 and Michaela lost to Fidan Manashirova (OSU) 6-4, 6-3. I believe that Ohio State could have gone either way. We were well-prepared and ready, but Ohio State simply closed out matches better than us that day.
In our final match before spring break, we beat Temple 4-3. It was extremely exciting to finally see the work pay off with a team win. With a win under our belts we got ready to leave for spring break.
ENTRY #6: March 31, 2010 - Spring break matches in Texas
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to take a little time to share our awesome spring break trip. For those of you who aren't aware, university tennis teams typically take a week-long trip to a very cool (but much warmer!) destination. This year we traveled to Texas. Texas State and SMU were the two teams on our schedule. On Sunday, March 6th, we packed our bags, boarded our flight and said good-bye to the snow.
Since Sunday had been a tiresome travel day, Monday was primarily a resting day. In the morning we went for a run around the Texas State campus. The campus there is so beautiful and charming; it was nice to see the different architecture. After our jog, we went back to the hotel to shower and get ready for a shopping day in San Antonio!
Tuesday morning we woke up to rain. Since the weather was forecasted to clear up, the coaches moved practice back a few hours. To kill some time, we got the chance to visit the nearby outlets for a while. After visiting Gucci, Juicy, and Louie, the sun began to peak through the clouds so we piled into the vans and made our way over to the courts.
It was really nice to finally practice outside again. The sun and the free feeling of playing outdoors motivated us and the team had a great practice. Afterwards, we had the opportunity to cool down in the river near the site. Some Texas State students studied by the relaxing river, while the rest dove in downstream. That night the team had dinner at an amazing restaurant by the courts. It was a little steakhouse next to the river that served delicious cuisine. The bread and honey butter were out of this world. It was a great end to the day.
Wednesday we had our match versus Texas State. The team was raring to go and started off strong with a doubles sweep. With one point for the Nittany Lions, we headed into our singles matches even more fired up than before. I came off the courts with the first singles win off the day, closely followed by Masha who scored point number 3 for the team. Petra and McCarthy were next, handedly defeating their opponents in straight sets. Hendo and Michaela lost in tight three setters, but put up a good fight. After the matches were over we headed to SMU to take on the Mustangs.
Our match against SMU was good preparation for the Big Ten season. SMU was probably the toughest team we've encountered to date and on Friday they proved why they are 33 in the country. That being said, I must say that we competed really well. None of us folded under the pressure and we all fought till the end. I'm proud of us for that and we will continue to keep our heads up.
On Saturday we were ready to come home to State College. Headed into my first spring break as a freshman, I wasn't sure what to expect. After a fantastic week with a lot of nice memories, I can't wait until next year!
ENTRY #7: April 19, 2010 - Road matches at No. 3 Michigan and Michigan State
Hi Penn Staters!
Last weekend the team traveled to Michigan to play two of our conference matches: University of Michigan and Michigan State. At 7am Friday morning the team piled into the big bus. We had an eight hour drive ahead of us so most of the team caught up on some sleep. Three movies, two papers and one long string of "Are we there yet?"s later, we pulled up at the Michigan courts. We were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful weather and were able to practice outside for a bit. Afterwards we headed off to the Kensington Court, our hotel de jour. Following a few showers the team grabbed a bite to eat at the Macaroni Grill. Then it was back to the hotel for team meetings, video review and an early nights rest.
Saturday morning we got into our gear and went to warm up at Michigan's courts. The warm-up music was blasting and the team was excited. The Michigan tennis team, currently ranked 3rd. was going to be a great challenge for us. We had nothing to lose, and were pumped. As Michigan's stands began to fill up with fans the energy began to escalate. First up was doubles. The teams were as follows: Lotto and I, Mickey and Denny, and Masha and Michaela. As the matches progressed I noticed the improvement. Our hard work at doubles is beginning to pay off, our game plans are coming together and I think the matchups are really great.
In singles, I finished last so I didn't have a chance to cheer on the girls. Taney beat Mickey 1 and 1. Nguyen beat Mash 2 and 1. Tatsuno beat Denisa 0 and 2. Mahtani beat Hendo 1 and 1. Sulahian beat Lotto 2 and 2. I lost the first set of my singles match against Muresan 6-1. I tried hard to fight back in the second set and managed to get up 5-4 before Denise took the win. Personally, most exciting for me was the fact that there were opportunities. Michigan is a highly respected team, so the fact that we could stay with them, even if only for a few moments is huge.
After the match we loaded up the bus and headed off to Michigan State. The hotel we stayed at was amazing! After devouring P.F. Cheng's, singing happy birthday to Hendo and watching Masha finish the last of the birthday cake, the team went to bed early again. The next morning we woke up to rain which meant we would be playing indoors. The atmosphere during the Michigan State match was electric. Their crowd was loud, but we got louder. At 3 doubles we lost 8-5 and at 2 we lost 8-6. Lotto and I were fired up and snatched a come from behind win 9-7. In singles, Masha lost a tough breaker in the first before going down 7-6, 6-4. Then I beat Silesova 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Mickey lost a really tight match against Herzog for the win 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. Deny and Michaela finished last, also losing very close matches.
Currently, the team is at about 36,000 feet in the air. We are en route to Indianapolis airport for the third and final time this school year. On the schedule this weekend is Indiana followed by Illinois. As always, we're going to fight hard. Keep checking back for updates and wish us luck!