University of Houston Athletics
Behind the Scenes - Elena Kordolaimi
4/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
(Editor's Note: As the Houston Tennis team prepares for NCAA Tournament play, UHCougars.com sat down with several members of the team for an inside look at their lives as student-athletes. Today's Q&A is with senior Elena Kordolaimi, who leads the Cougars with 32 singles wins this season and matched a school record with her 24th dual win on April 18.)
UHCougars.com: How do you feel with only a few weeks left until graduation?
Elena Kordolaimi: It's a very bittersweet feeling; on one hand, I'm really excited, because I'm nearly done with four years of studying and the hectic schedule that comes with being a student-athlete, but on the other hand I'm really going to miss having seven other teammates constantly around me and all the people that care about you 24/7.
UHCougars.com: What are you going to miss most about being a student-athlete at UH?
EK: I don't think there is a single thing that I can name -- the whole experience has been a whirlwind! Even when you have the most hectic and stressful days, when you look back, it's actually fun, because it prepares you for life after college. I think being a student-athlete at times can be tougher on you than being in the `real-world', but it is also very rewarding.
UHCougars.com: What are you looking forward to the most after graduating?
EK: Well, since I was 12, my goal has been to play professional tennis. So for me, not having any studying to do and being able to put all my focus and concentration into my tennis: that is the thing I am looking forward to the most. Without a lot of time being taken up by studying, I will have more time to practice. I will also enjoy making my own decisions, setting my own schedule and travel plans and being independent, because that's very important for a professional tennis player.
UHCougars.com: What are the main differences in your personality on and off the court from freshman year until now?
EK: Both on and off the court, from freshman year until now, I think I got a lot more mature, and I know how to handle different situations better, just from being a student-athlete. In general, coming to college, miles away from your home without knowing anyone or having your parents nearby is a huge challenge and really teaches you about being independent. My confidence really grew over the years, and I learned how to manage my time better and become a lot more organized, especially when studying and travelling. I think in my freshman year, I would start studying two days before the exam -- but I soon learned to not make that mistake again!
On court, my style of play changed, because I stopped hitting the fence nine times out of 10, and now I only hit it five times out of 10! (laughs) So now, I am a lot more consistent in the points and my decision-making has also got a lot better. From playing so many matches over the years, I have learned to control my emotions and adapt to different situations on the court.
UHCougars.com: Are you going to miss Houston, or are you excited about going back to the scenic views of Europe?
EK: I'm so excited to be going back to Europe, because I really miss the culture and the European way of life. I prefer the food in Greece, and I am able to understand the personalities a bit better, and of course I love being able to speak my own language with everyone! Having that said, once I have been back in Europe for a long time, I'm really going to miss Houston, and definitely the shopping in America! (laughs) I don't think I will miss the humid weather in Houston because it's also hot in Greece, minus the humidity!
UHCougars.com: What's the main challenge you found being an international student?
EK: Wow, where do I start? First of all, going to class when English is not your first language is extremely challenging. It was really hard for me to concentrate on what was being taught at the same time as translating everything in my head and understand what was being said. There is also so much paperwork from being an international student, like visa, tax and bank issues that were all new to me, but having the support of many people at the University of Houston made it easier.
UHCougars.com: Do you think you will notice a difference from playing college matches compared to playing WTA matches on the tour?
EK: Definitely! First of all, when you are playing a college match, you have seven other girls on your side, plus three coaches, so you always have at least 10 people cheering and caring for you in each match. When you are travelling on the tour, you aren't going to have this many people cheering for you, especially your teammates on the courts next to you. The second thing is travelling, because in college tennis you have everything planned out for you -- we just get told what time we are leaving for the airport and that's it! When I will be travelling by myself, it will be a lot tougher, because I will be alone and I will have to arrange all my plans by myself. In college tennis, we are very lucky, because a lot of it is done for you, from hotels, travel, trainers to equipment and clothes. It is definitely going to be a challenge on the tour, but I can't wait!
UHCougars.com: In your four years, you must have travelled a lot! Where is your favorite place you have been to in the U.S.?
EK: I would have to say California, especially San Diego and Los Angeles. It's a really pretty state, the weather is beautiful, and the whole time it felt like I was on holiday! The beaches are really nice too, though not quite as nice as Greece!
UHCougars.com: Finally, is there any advice you would give to incoming student-athletes at UH?
EK: I would say you need to give it your best, because the worst thing is to look back and have regrets about doing better in school. I would also say to not take anything for granted and appreciate everything. All the support and help that you have as a student-athlete will not be there forever, so cherish it while you can!
--UHCougars.com--
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