Written by Student Assistant Chelsea Flintoft '14
Nicolette Wolny (NW) competes in both singles and doubles for the Santa Clara women's tennis team. Hailing from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the junior biology and public health major joined the team in January of 2012 and since has helped the Broncos reach new program records and a share of the West Coast Conference regular season title last Spring. SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCU) talked with Wolny at the end of Finals Week on the Mission Campus, and we learned about the goals for her third season, tennis events in Saudi Arabia, and her Christmas Break plans.
SCU: What did you do this summer to prepare for your junior season?
NW: To prepare for my junior season I stayed at Santa Clara over the summer and worked out with our wonderful strength coach Sherman Trigg and the players who were still around, like Elaine Chesoni!
SCU: Tell us your favorite inspirational quote.
NW: "You aren't going to beat me," said by my sister Paige Wolny. My sister's been pushing me to put in extra effort, and ultimately do better than I could on my own since she's been able to speak. She's my harshest critic and biggest supporter, and I wouldn't be the same person without her.
SCU: Which tennis event is your favorite to watch or attend?
NW: My favorite tennis event to go to is the Qatar Open during winter. It's great because you get seats 10 feet or less from the courts, and you get to be right next to the warm up courts and meet some of the players.
SCU: What is your favorite thing about America that you can't find in your hometown of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia?
NW: My favorite thing about America that I can't have in Saudi is having my team and my friends within a five-block radius. Plus, not having to deal with a time difference to talk to people is nice.
SCU: The team had a successful fall season. What are you going to do differently to improve in the Spring?
NW: To improve this Spring we are going to push each other in practice and enjoy every moment in our own crazy way.
SCU: What are your Christmas Break plans?
NW: Over break I'm going to enjoy time with my family and friends in Saudi by relaxing, eating my grandma's secret recipes, and getting ready for the 2014 season.
GO BRONCOS!
