As the remainder of the 2019-20 season was canceled on March 12 due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Sun Belt Conference is helping others get to know Sun Belt student-athletes presented in a Q&A series on the league's website and social media platforms.
 
Q: Why did you choose to attend Texas State?
A: Ultimately, I came here because of Coach (Tory) Plunkett. I didn't say very much to her…or anyone   at first, but I liked her vibe and her morals and now we click really well so I'm happy with my decision.
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a student-athlete?
A: The overall experience of everything. It's challenging at times but also rewarding.
 
Q: What drew you to play tennis?
A: It wasn't an ideal discovery of the sport, but a few family members worked at a recreational park that my mom dropped my sisters and I off at everyday in the summer and it just kind of stuck with us.                           
 
Q: What is one of your favorite memories about competing in tennis?
A: My favorite memories so far have been with our former assistant Coach Diego (Garavito) in the van on the way to a tournament. We're always making jokes and laughing or singing and dancing to whatever song comes on next. It's always a good time.
 
Q: What is one of the best memories you have competing in a Sun Belt Championship event?
A: The atmosphere of the competition. Everyone there really wants to win so it's very competitive.
 
Q: How does being an athlete make you a better person?
A: Being an athlete taught me discipline. I know how to manage my time since we don't have as much of it because of practices and matches.
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about being around your teammates?
A: Whenever we all do something, it's together. Whether it's going to eat, playing games at someone's apartment, or when we're cheering for the last match that's playing.
 
Q: Who is one major influence in your life?
A: Honestly, I don't really have any one person that had a huge influence in my life. I've learned a lot of things from many people but there was never just one person that "I looked up to" like that.
 
Q: What is a song you have to listen to prior to competing?
A: The song that always plays at some point before I play a match is a Yella Beezy song featuring Gucci Mane and Quavo called "Bacc at it Again."
 
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
A: That I never lifted weights before coming to Texas State. People would always ask my sister and me who our trainer was, but we were just naturally built on the more muscular side. I'm sure tennis helped out with that a little bit though.
 
Q: In this time away from tennis, what do you miss about it the most?
A: Just having the feeling of that adrenaline rush when I'm competing. I don't think about anything else while I'm playing, and I really miss thinking about nothing.
 
Q: What are your aspirations beyond being an athlete?
A: I'd really like to get into coaching tennis so maybe having my own academy one day.
 
Q: How are you handling and navigating this time with your playing career currently halted and classes being online?
A: Aside from the immense boredom, it hasn't been so bad. I was homeschooled basically all of my life and it's not my favorite thing, but I'm used to doing classes online at home. I'm still being as active as possible, my family and I take walks sometimes just to get out the house, and I work out with my younger sister. I've even been trying some new recipes in the kitchen and that's always fun especially since we all love to eat so that's been something fun for all of us.
 
Q: You registered a team-best 17-9 overall record in singles play this season, including a 6-4 mark during dual season play. What would you consider is the best part of your game as of late?
A: I definitely wanted this season to be different and better personally than the previous ones. I really focused on the mental aspect of my game and did much better controlling my thoughts while I was out there playing and it made a huge difference. I've also been more open with my communication to our coaches. Talking with them about what was going on with literally anything and how I was feeling allowed them to help me even more.
 
Q: Rumor has it you have eaten 16 tacos in one sitting before. Where? Why? How?
A: That rumor is 100% true. A few years ago, my sister and I were in Miami practicing with some friends for almost over five hours. When we got back home, we were exhausted and extremely hungry, and we happen to be having tacos for dinner. I had tunnel vision and was only focused on the tacos, so I just kept going until I was full…guess I wasn't full until I got to 16!
 
Q: Your sister Chacadyah joined you on the roster this year. What has it meant to have her in San Marcos with you? What is something others may not know about her but should?
A: It's been great having her here with me. People have gotten to see more of the real me and how I normally am around my family and/or people I'm just comfortable with. We're always laughing about something and making other people laugh too and I think it was the best thing that could've happened for me in my collegiate career.
 
Q: Your doubles partner is Hana Kvapilova. What has it meant to play alongside her and what has she taught you, be it on or off the court?
A: Hani is a super amazing person and such a breath of fresh air. Playing doubles with her has been the most fun I've had playing tennis in a while. She made me realize how much I really do enjoy playing tennis in singles as well as doubles and I kind of forgot how that felt until she got here. We talk about the most random things while we're playing together...most of which involve food. In fact, when we got our biggest win ever, we were talking about what we were craving for dinner later that night! And it's not only when we play together, but even when we play against each other in practice, I feel like we're the literal definition of “healthy competition.” We push each other to our limits and play the most amazing points and still manage to laugh and applaud each other. I can honestly say I enjoy playing against her. She's always so positive on and off the court and now I find myself thinking more positively on the court, so she's definitely been a great influence and I love having her here and playing with her. She really is a great addition to the team!