New at The U: Dominika Paterova
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Freshman Dominika Paterova of the University of Miami women’s tennis team hails from over 5,000 miles away.
Despite the distance from her hometown of Unhost, Czech Republic, Paterova, the daughter of former NHL player Pavel Patera, is enjoying her opening weeks as a Hurricane and is glad to be living in the United States, as she shared with HurricaneSports.com . . .
Q: You’ve been at Miami for about two weeks now. What are your thoughts so far?
A: I am so excited. It’s a really nice, beautiful place and the girls really help me a lot. Paige [Yaroshuk-Tews] and Laura [Vallverdu] are nice to me and they also help me a lot. I feel so good here.
Q: What have you enjoyed the most?
A: The tennis because when I am in the Czech Republic I practice alone with my coach or just with someone [else], but here we are in a group. So, I think it’s better and I really enjoy it here.
Q: How has it been getting adjusted not only to college, but to living in a different country?
A: Sometimes it’s hard, but I’ve traveled a lot because of tournaments, so I think [that has been good for me]. Sometimes when I’m in the room, I miss my little sister and brother [Laughter], but now it’s okay.
Q: Are you excited about the opportunity to live in a different country?
A: Yeah, my dream was to live in the USA. [Laughter] So, I’m happy here.
Q: Have you decided what you want to major in and, if so, how did you determine that?
A: Now I am undeclared, but I want to study international studies . . . because I graduated from this [program] in high school. I am very interested in politics and stuff like that.
Q: What made you decide that Miami was the place for you to go to college?
A: I had another school [I was also interested in], but I think this was my best choice because the tennis is [at the] top and academically it is on a high level. So, that is why.
Q: How much have the upperclassmen helped you out with getting adjusted?
A: They are so nice. They help me with everything. They show me where every building is and sometimes they help me with some writing, for example, to a teacher.
Q: How would you describe the type of player you are on the court?
A: I think I am clever. I think that’s my best [attribute]. I think I can play hard [shots or lob shots] . . . I am strong in my head and mind.
Q: Who is your favorite tennis player and why?
A: I think Roger Federer because he has really nice technique and he always is calm on the court.
To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
