Dec. 4, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The first edition of "Meet the Team" features redshirt junior Victoria Kisialeva, who came to Penn State this past fall as a transfer from Baylor. We caught up with Kisialeva after wrapping up the fall season.
Trying to adjust to a new team and school can be tough, but Kisialeva thinks she found the school that fits her perfectly.
"I think Penn State is the school that I have been looking for and it fits me really well," Kisialeva said. "I can't say that it was very easy in the beginning, as there was definitely a lot of hard work in both the classroom and on the courts, but I like everything so far."
Kisialeva was not the only one to transfer to Penn State this fall, as teammate and fellow junior Kim Surin came to Happy Valley from Arkansas. Kisialeva cited that it has been tough at times to meet with Surin due to their busy schedules.
"Our communication is getting better, but it's definitely tough," said Kisialeva. "Being a student-athlete, it is not always easy. We have different schedules and trying to find a time where both of us are available is sometimes difficult."
The Montreal native holds many hobbies when she is not on the tennis court.
"My favorite hobby would be dancing, but since I don't have that much free time, I wasn't able to join any dance clubs," Kisialeva said. "I usually like to hangout with my friends, get a coffee, and enjoy the company."
The junior has taken to her new teammates and particularly enjoys the humor of one of them.
"For me, I think the funniest person is Kelly Mengel. She's always in a good mood and she is always happy."
Growing up in Canada, Kisialeva discusses the slight adjustment she needed to make by going to school in the United States.
"It is a little tough since English is not my first language, but this is something I am willing to learn at and improve in; so I don't mind it at all," said Kisialeva.
Kisialeva has posted an impressive record in doubles matches, owning a career record of 57-20. Her ability to communicate and feed off of her partner has allowed the junior to have a great deal of success throughout her collegiate career.
"I like playing doubles matches. I like when I have someone that I can communicate with and it is more fun for me."
With the fall season completed, the focus is on the upcoming spring season. Penn State will play 11 Big Ten matches with five being played in University Park. Kisialeva cites health as her biggest focus heading into the spring season.
"I had some injuries throughout the fall so right now I am most focused on just getting into shape and making sure I am fully healthy for the season," said Kisialeva. "We haven't been working too much on tennis lately, but it's definitely something I will do once my injuries have healed."
Kisialeva is an Economics major and is hoping to enter the risk management and insurance field upon graduation.
Penn State opens the spring season in Akron, Ohio when the Nittany Lions battle Tulane. The first home match is February 4 against Pittsburgh. Stay updated with everything women's tennis on social media by "liking" Penn State Women's Tennis on Facebook and following @pennstateWTEN on Twitter.