By Aaron Cheng '16

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) spoke with senior Ilya Osintsev (IO) about his experience at Santa Clara University and the outlook for the rest of his season.

SCB: What made you decide to attend school so far away from home? 

IO: It was a great opportunity to receive a great education while I could still play and compete in tennis. It wasn't an option back home; I had to pick one or the other.

SCB: You're starting your senior year here at Santa Clara, what will you remember most from your experience here?

IO: Meeting lots of great and interesting people, the beautiful campus, etc. Tennis was a very big positive experience, and it was an honor to play for SCU and for my teammates.

SCB: How long have you been playing tennis? What about the sport makes you want to keep coming back for more?

IO: I started to play tennis when I was six years old; it's been way too long! It became the biggest part of my life. I guess that desire to win more, and the pleasure of competition is making me want to come back for more.

SCB: After so much success last year, how does the competition look in doubles for you this fall with your former partner graduating last spring?

IO: I'm sure we are going to try different doubles combinations. Coaches want to try me with Sam Bertram in Fall. We had some success this recent summer together, so we'll see how it goes.

SCB: Do you have any strategies or goals to improve upon your great season last year?

IO: I don't like thinking too far ahead; I'm just looking forward to spending a lot of time with my team and work together on the court and off the court. I believe that we can do well this upcoming season.