Getting to Know: 2015 Women's Tennis Team
1/14/2015 7:01:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – More than two months removed from their final fall tournament, the College of Charleston women's tennis team returns to the court this weekend for an action-packed season-opening road swing at perennial powers Marshall, Kentucky and Wake Forest.
A premier team in their own right, The College heads in to their opening slate of matches following a successful 2014 campaign in which the Cougars finished with an 19-8 overall record, making it all the way to the CAA Championship final where they fell just one match short of their sixth-straight NCAA tournament berth. Led by head coach Angelo Anastopoulo (608 career wins), the 2015 edition of College of Charleston tennis will look to continue an unprecedented run of success that has seen the program rack up 129 wins (73%), five conference championships and five NCAA tournament berths over the last six seasons.
With the 2015 season now upon us, we take a quick look at the 2015 College of Charleston women's tennis team:
Mara Argyriou // 5-7 // So. // Limassol, Cyprus
• Nickname: Baby Mora
• Primary goal for the 2015 season: To win a CAA Championship
• Favorite memory so far at The College: My favorite memory at The College so far was last season's match against Southern Miss. Partnering with Kelly Kambourelis, we saved a couple match points and managed to get it to the tie-breaker. It was the match that would decide the doubles point and it was the first really big match I had competed in. The boys' team came out to support us and they were shouting and cheering. I remember being nervous and my hand could not stop trembling until Kelly told me to stop, relax and look around. The energy was really positive and as tennis players these are the moments we live for. So instead of being scared of losing, Kelly helped me embrace the moment and enjoy it. It was a tight tie-breaker and we ended up losing, but I will never forget that match. Plus, I came back to clinch the match in singles.
• As described by teammate Helena Nyikos: I really admire Mara for her commitment to the sport. She is not only a fighter and great tennis player, but she's also a great friend.
Helena Nyikos // 5-9 // Fr. // Neusiedl am See, Austria
• Favorite part of playing tennis: College tennis is both an individual sport and a team sport. On the court you are playing on your own but also supporting your teammates. It requires being mentally strong, and you need rapidity and endurance.
• Hobbies off the court: Volleyball and spending time with family and friends.
• What do you miss most about your hometown? My hometown is only 45 minutes from Vienna, so I miss the easy access to the city.
Grace Baker // 5-7 // Sr. // Charlotte, N.C.
• Favorite memory so far at The College: My favorite tennis memory at CofC is definitely the time we had to spend the night at the KOA campground in Dunn, N.C. We were headed to Durham to play Duke in the first match of the season my sophomore year, but we had to stop because of the amount of ice on the roads. While our neighboring campers provided us with blankets, Jenny (Falcone), Sam (Maddox), Brooke (McAmis) and I happened to choose the cabin with no heat or running water. I slept with two pairs of pants, three jackets, and my uggs on while using my backpack as a pillow. Oh, and who could forget Jenny finding her favorite insect on one of our beds- the spider! We may have been outraged then, but it has proven to be a great story to tell.
• Favorite Movie: I have two favorite movies: The first is Contraband, because let's face it, who doesn't want to watch Mark Wahlberg break the law. The second would have to be The Patriot, because I'm a sucker for war flicks… and Heath Ledger.
• As described by teammate Samantha Maddox: Grace is one of the most caring people I know. She is nice to everyone no matter what and always sees the good in a situation or person. Watching her come back from her injury was inspiring for me. Grace is a great person and deserves the world.
Jenny Falcone // 5-5 // Sr. // Davidson, N.C.
• Favorite tennis memory at The College: Winning the Southern Conference my freshman year. It was one of the best days of my life.
• Favorite Hobby: My favorite hobby off the court is getting the girls and guys tennis team together and hanging out.
• Favorite Movie: The Other Woman. I don't think I stopped laughing throughout the whole movie.
Sara Jane Jones // 5-6 // Fr. // Jacksonville, Fla.
• Best tennis memory: The time Coach Anastopoulo had us sprinting across the parking lot at the outlet mall after he sent us a text offering to treat us to new shoes if we made it there in less than two minutes. He knows how much girls love their shoes!
• Professional aspirations: My major at The College is International Business with an emphasis on Chinese. I have been taking Chinese since the 7th grade and would like to focus on a career where I could utilize this skill.
• As described by teammate Grace Baker: Sarah is my mini-me. She's a hard worker but is always down to do something adventurous. We've had our fair share of OMG moments, and it's probably a good thing that I'm graduating because there is no telling what we could get into.
Samantha Maddox // 5-8 // Sr. // Lexington, Ky.
• Goals for 2015: My primary goal for this season is to inspire others by my intensity on the court. I want to be an example for the girls by showing them how hard I'll compete.
• What do you love most about playing tennis? The thing I love most about tennis is the competition. I love the feeling of winning an important match. The best feeling I have during college tennis is when I have to clinch the match for the team. There is nothing better than looking over at my team watching and depending on me to win -- not just for me but for my "sisters".
• Hobbies off the court: I am OBSESSED with hot yoga. I think cross training is really beneficial for tennis players.
Brooke McAmis // 5-5 // Jr. // Greensboro, N.C.
• Goals for 2015: To stay healthy and for our team to win a CAA Championship.
• What do you love most about your hometown? I love Greensboro aka "The Boro" because it's a laid back city with a really fun downtown; it is also really good for people watching. Greensboro never disappoints.
• As described by teammate Mara Argyriou: Brooke is the most laid back redneck I have ever met! Bribe her with chicken wings and she will practically do anything for you - including winning a match. Despite the 'don't care' look she gives you, on court she is one of the best and most courageous fighters I've ever played with!
Katherine Schofield // 5-9 // Jr. // Franklin, Tenn.
• Nickname: Kat / Music City Miracle
• What do you love most about tennis? I love practicing with the team, but my favorite part of the game is shaking an opponent's hand after a win. #LetsBeHonest
• Favorite tennis memory: Winning the SoCon my freshman year was amazing. Seeing a whole year's worth of training and preparation pay off in that final match was a great feeling.
College of Charleston women's tennis kicks off their 2015 campaign on the road at Marshal University this Saturday, Jan. 17, in Huntington, W.V. Stay tuned to CofCSports.com for a full match preview and recap.
Players Mentioned
