CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Freshman Sara Culbertson of the University of Miami women’s tennis team did not have to travel far to begin her college experience.

A native of Coral Gables, Culbertson, who grew up just minutes from campus dreaming of playing tennis at Miami, spoke with HurricaneSports.com about what her first few days at school have been like and much more . . .

Q: You’re about a week into your time here at Miami. How has it been so far?

A: I love it. I’m super happy. I’m super excited. I’m just really excited to get out on the court, I’m pumped.

Q: Coming from basically down the street, how much does that help you to get acclimated to college when you live so close by?

A: Well, it’s pretty easy. I know the area so well. It’s just sort of getting used to the dorms and obviously [also getting] back into the routine of school.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about your college career?

A: Tennis, for sure. I’m so pumped. I just want to play, so badly—just competing, practicing, everything about it.

Q: Are there any upperclassmen who have kind of taken you under their wings at all started to show you around campus or help you get acclimated?

A: All of them have been so helpful and supportive. They’re always including us [newcomers] and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Q: Are there any classes you’re taking that you enjoy or you’re looking forward to throughout the semester?

A: Actually, I’m really excited for nutrition. I’m really interested in nutrition and I’m excited to learn about it. That’s the one class out of everything that I’ve taken in the last four years that I’m most excited to learn about.

Q: Tennis-wise, how would you describe the type of player you are?

A: I’m more of a grinder, meaning I stand pretty far back on the baseline, just moving side to side, getting every single ball, not making mistakes and, at times, being aggressive, sometimes too aggressive.

Q: Are there any players you try to watch and emulate how they play, or anyone you just look up to as a player?

A: Probably someone like Simona Halep or Justine Henin. They’re just so athletic and agile on the court.

Q: When you look back on it, what made you decide that Miami was the place for you to go to college?

A: It was my dream to play on the team here, since I was six. So, it was a no-brainer for me. I love the coaches . . . I love sort of the intensity, positive attitude, demeanor and the vibe. I love the vibe of the coaches, the team, everything.

Q: Very few people get to live out their dream of not only going to college where they want to, but playing on the team they want to. How special is it that you are part of that select group?

A: I couldn’t be happier. Hopefully I make the best of it . . . There’s no money in the world that could replace this, to me.

To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.