Sitting Down with UM Women's Tennis
Feb. 12, 2009
Coral Gables, Fla. –
Julia Cohen
5-6, Sophomore
Philadelphia, Pa.
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How has transferring to UM from the University of Florida changed your game, so to speak, under head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews?
A: “I feel like I’m playing a lot better here at Miami than I was at Florida last year this time. I feel like I got a lot of help from Coach [Yaroshuk-Tews]. She really helped me a lot with my forehand and my serves.”
What do you think the biggest difference is between the ACC and SEC?
A: “I think they’re both really strong conferences. The SEC has Georgia, but the ACC has teams like Duke, UNC, Georgia Tech, and Clemson. So I think the ACC is a little tougher.”
Describe what it’s like playing alongside such a talented group of players, including yourself, at UM?
A: “I really like being on this team and like everyone a lot. I’m excited that we have such a good team this year.”
What do you hope to accomplish at the University of Miami in your career?
A: “I would like to be the best player ever to come out of the University of Miami. So, I’m just working very hard, training a lot with my coaches and practicing hard with my team to try and accomplish that goal.”
The UM women are going up against tough competition this season, including Baylor and ACC opponents Georgia Tech, Duke and Clemson. What do you expect from this team and yourself?
A: “I just hope to try my best and always give 100 percent. I want put a lot of time into practice and work our way up to being the best in the country.”
Laura Vallverdu
5-3, Junior
Valencia, Venezuela
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As a two-time All-American, is there any pressure to try and keep up the pace you’ve set at UM?
A: “There’s definitely pressure, but I don’t look at it that way. I have a lot of support from my coaching staff and teammates. The more pressure you have, then the more motivation you get to keep doing it. I have a goal to become All-American all four years. So, if that’s possible then that will be pretty good. But if not, then that’s fine too.”
You’re part of an outstanding doubles team alongside Julia Cohen. What are you two doing that makes the chemistry work so well?
A: “I have known Julia since we were 14 years-old. I have a history with her since we used to play in tournaments. I knew her and knew how she played, and we pretty-much complement each other well.”
You’re older brother, Daniel, has had great success with the UM Men’s Tennis team. What was it like growing up and playing tennis alongside him?
A: “He’s always been a good supporter and a role model for me. He’s one year older, and has done well since he came here. He’s one semester in front of me, so he always tells me what is coming next, and kind of what to expect.”
Describe the atmosphere of playing in international tournaments such as Juniors compared to the collegiate stage?
A: “There’s definitely a lot of pressure when you play college because it’s not only you, but it’s eight of your teammates that are on your back. The match could be tied three-all, and it could be up to you. It could be your match. You have to win not just for yourself, but for everyone else. It’s a good experience if you want to go and play professionally.”
You’ve made your mark so quickly on the UM record books. Where does your career go from here?
A: “I’m actually very happy of what I’ve done in the last two years at Miami. Right now, I’m only looking to make it all better, and keep the pace up and give UM back all they’ve given to me including all of the knowledge. I just want to keep winning.”
Bianca Eichkorn
5-6, Sophomore
Tengen, Germany
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You had a successful fall season, and are continuing that into the spring. What did you do in the off-season to become the player you are now?
A: “In the off-season, for me it is definitely time to relax. But you know you’re going to come back in January, and you have to perform well. So, I just try to keep up my fitness, stay focused and don’t lose the goals out of my mind that I’ve put in place.”
What is the chemistry like between you and doubles partner Michaela Kissell that you all are ranked No. 14 and playing so well together?
A: “We came in last year together, and we went through everything in this program in the beginning together. I think it’s paying off now. We get along well, and both of us have the same goals for our team.”
What is it like playing under Coach Yaroshuk-Tews?
A: “She’s a tough coach and definitely pushes you to your limits. I think it’s also why we’re so successful too. She gives you the feeling that you shouldn’t be happy and satisfied with how you perform, knowing that you always can improve.”
What is the biggest difference for a student-athlete from another country being so far away from home, and how have you adjusted to it both mentally and physically?
A: “It’s a lot different from being back home. I’ve been practicing a lot back home, but the whole mentality is different in this sport. It is really important here. In the beginning, I was struggling with everything with tennis and everything off the court. But now, I really like it, and I think I got the mentality. I just accepted all of it.”
In your second season at UM, what do you expect from yourself and your team against a difficult schedule including Baylor, and fellow ACC opponents like Georgia Tech, Duke and Clemson?
A: “We had a really good season last year, but I think we have a really good team this year. We have good players, and I think we are one of the hardest working teams in the country. Against Baylor and the other good teams, we just want to show that they have to come ready to play us, too.”
Michaela Kissell
5-8, Sophomore
Hostetter, Pa.
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You’ve enjoyed a great fall, and are playing well in the spring. What have you done during the past year to improve your game?
A: “Everyday just giving it 100 percent. That goes with the coaches we have here, the great weather and everything else that’s available to us. You’re not going to get worse if you give it your all out here, so I’ve just been practicing hard.”
What is it like playing with such a diverse group of players from around the world?
A: “I personally love it, and think it’s the best thing. We all have something different to bring. We’re all very different, but also similar in a way and we get along really well. It just works out so well.”
How has your success as a 3-time Pennsylvania State Singles Champion carried over to the collegiate level?
A: “Everything from my past gives me confidence for the present and future. I’ve been in many different situations, but going from the high school level to the college level is a complete step up, and it took a while for me to get used to it last year. I feel like this is a great place to really improve your game.”
Describe what it is like to play within a group with a number of nationally ranked players such as yourself?
A: “It’s great and it really makes you aware of what you’re doing on and off the court. You have to push yourself everyday, or else the player behind you is going to be vying for your spot just like you’re vying for the player’s spot in front of you. I think it’s healthy competition.”
You and fellow classmate Bianca Eichkorn have easily transitioned from your freshman to sophomore year. How has your game increased to become so good in that time?
A: “I think it’s really just a confidence thing. Last year, it was new and we were thrown into situations we’ve never been in before. This year, we know to expect seeing the best in the country. Let’s just say that the ‘Canes are dangerous this year, and we feel we can take down anyone if we play our game.”
