New at The U: Maci Epstein
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Redshirt senior Maci Epstein is the first transfer to join the University of Miami women’s tennis team since 2009 and is the lone senior on the Hurricanes’ roster in 2016-17.
After a standout career at the University of Virginia, Epstein, a Winter Park, Fla., native, returned to her home state for her final year of eligibility and, as she shared with HurricaneSports.com, she is very much enjoying her time at Miami thus far . . .
Q: What have your first few weeks at Miami been like?
A: It has been great. I am training and going to school in paradise, basically [Laughter].
Q: What has been your favorite part?
A: The team. The team has been so welcoming. And the love for tennis, I’ve found it again.
Q: After four years at a different school, how has it been getting adjusted elsewhere?
A: Honestly, it has been super easy and the team has made it that way. They have shown me around and made it very easy just to start training with them and do everything that they have at this program.
Q: When you decided to transfer, how did you determine that Miami was the place for you?
A: I had looked at a couple schools, but during the college process in high school, it came down to Miami and Virginia. So, I called Paige [Yaroshuk-Tews] . . . and she said, ‘We may have a spot opening and we should definitely get on this.’
Q: Are there any particular players in specific who have kind of helped show you around and get you used to the campus and how things go here?
A: Honestly, everybody has been very helpful. Even the players from last year [who are still here], Steffi [Stephanie Wagner] and Clem[entina Riobueno], have helped me out.
Q: How did you determine what graduate program you wanted to do and how has it been so far?
A: I chose communication and it’s been working out really well. I am very interested in communication. I’m not sure yet what path I want to take within it, but I think communication is a good start and I’ll be able to find my interest.
Q: Tennis-wise, how would you describe the type of player you are?
A: I am aggressive and try to use my power.
Q: Are there any players you look up to and try to emulate or just kind of like the way they play?
A: I would say Serena [Williams because] . . . she is very powerful and takes control of the court.
Q: Is there anything in particular you are working on the most to get ready for the season?
A: My endurance and getting good stretching in. We have a really good fitness plan.
Q: What are you most excited for heading into your last season of college tennis?
A: It’s like my second chance and I want to leave it all out on the court and basically give it all I’ve got.
To keep up with the University of Miami women’s tennis team on social media, follow @CanesWTennis on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
