Audrey Craig, Women's Tennis Senior, Public Administration and Accounting
Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview HS
I WILL be a better tennis player after the season
I WILL get a job
I WILL help my sisters make the sorority better for incoming pledge classes
Even Capital senior Audrey Craig's days off work are still filled with tasks. On one summer afternoon, the women's tennis player spent her weekend away from her internship taking her little brother for a haircut and then making her way over to her bank. Craig did find time to talk with sports information assistant Bryan DeArdo to talk about her internship, the tennis team's goals this season, and the sisters of Pi Phi sorority.
BD: How was your summer?
AC: It's went really well. I just got my internship working for Perry Booth, who works in the House and Republican caucus. Working with all the people has been so much fun. We're not in session right now, so I'm doing a lot of outreach work with my constituents, as well as sending out letters to members who have moved into our district or have had something interesting happening to them. I love it.
BD: Does your internship intertwine with what you would like to do for a career?
AC: It's not exactly what I want to do for a living, but some aspects of it are. I'm very interested in budgeting. I'd like to do something with government or something with a finance committee. Working with the Department of Development or commerce in regards to money and tax dollars so that we can help people. I'd also like to work with the Office of Management and Budget, so that they can do better things with our money.
BD: What are some goals that you'd like to accomplish during your senior year?
I've been working really hard this summer to move up on the tennis team's roster. I'd like to be a captain this year, and help the team organize a spring break. Moving up to the nunmber Three or Four spot on the team as opposed to the Five or Six spot is what I've been shooting for this summer. As far as school, my goal is to get better grades and improve my time management. I'd like to eventually get a job in my major.
BD: How would you define a successful Capital's tennis team this season?
AC: I'd like everyone to be able to go to Florida before the season begins, so that way we all get more matches under our belts. More exhibition matches for everyone would help out as well so that we can get in rhythm before the year starts. Winning more matches and getting into a groove earlier in the year will be big. We also need to work on doubles play and getting that one point to win a set or match. More concentrated practices on certain techniques can help us.
BD: Is there a challenge balancing school with tennis and being a member of the Pi Phi sorority?
AC: Being in Pi Phi has helped a lot with time management because all of our members are very concentrated on schoolwork. We make sure that everyone gets their schoolwork done so that we can have free time and time to do things together. A key has been having people in the sorority and the team that understand that I'm involved in different things. I just have to be committed to everything that I'm involved with.
BD: What do you like the most about Greek life and your sorority specifically?
AC: I love my sorority because we are all very close. If we ever have a problem, we work it out right away and the issue goes away. If we're having a party, everyone communicates well and things are run very smoothly. They also come to my tennis matches, with is great. They really are my sisters, and are always there to support me. One of my sisters was freaking out because there was ice all over her car during a storm. So I drove her to work because I know she would do the same for me. That sisterhood and bond is a big thing for me.
BD: How does being in a sorority compare with being on an athletic team?
AC: Both groups are really close with each other. There is a bond that is developed with both my teammates and my sorority sisters. I'm with both of them so much and have gotten to know many people so well here.
BD: Who was your favorite tennis player growing up?
AC: Andre Agassi. I still love him, oh my gosh (laughs). I liked his style of play. He was a trip, just full or energy. I like watching fun players who always has energy, and he always had both.
BD: Do you prefer the pre or post hair Agassi?
AC: Post hair, because that's the Agassi I mostly remember watching.
BD: Who is your favorite current player?
AC: I like Roger Federer. I also love the Williams sisters. I think they're fun to watch as well.
BD: Do you think the Williams sisters' dominance over the rest of the women's fields bad or good for tennis?
AC: I don't think it's bad for the sport. If someone wants them to stop winning, then they have to step up their game, because they'll do whatever it takes to win the game. They're good, and they play their hearts out and to the best of their ability. Right now, they're playing great, they're fighters, and they always win because they want it more.
BD: If you could play one-on-one against any tennis player, who would it be and why?
AC: Arthur Ashe would be really cool to play against. He was a really cool, mellow guy who would be fun to play. Playing Agassi or the Williams sisters would be too competitive I think. Going against a less-aggressive Ashe would be a more fun matchup. He was very sportsmanlike and a nice guy.
BD: How does Columbus compare to Toledo?
AC: I like it better here, especially economy wise. It's easier to find a job and internship here. There's a lot more stuff to do here. There are more parks, and outdoor activities here that you don't have to pay too much to do.
BD: What would you do if your coach gave the team a free weekend off of practice?
AC: It depends on my mood. I may be completely lame and do homework (laughs). A lot of us girls during Easter break went out and danced and had a great time. It was so much fun, and we would probably do that some. We'd do something like that or see a movie.
BD: Where's the best place to go on or around campus to study?
AC: The library is really nice, because they have the cubby things so that no one bothers you. I normally study in my room after I shut the door. Studying in there is a lot better for me because I can sit on my bed and just be comfortable.
BD: What have you done this summer that you think will be beneficial to yourself and the tennis team this year?
AC: I was on a team this summer with a teammate from last year. I learned how to play on a team, and I hope to bring that team mentality to the court every day. I'll also offer feedback to the coach sometimes if I think there's something we need to address in practice. You can't work on everything in one practice, but if we work on something consistently every day then we'll eventually get better and be higher up in the OAC.