By Mitch Gilbert |
Maja Mladenovic
Sophomore
Nis, Serbia
What does it mean to you to be named the U.S. Bank student athlete of the month?It was a surprise. I didn’t even know when it happened, one of my teammates told me. I guess it is the result of hard work. But, I couldn’t do it without my teammates or coaches.
How does it feel to be the number one singles player as a sophomore?
It is a coin with two sides. On one side it is a great thing but, on the other side you can feel a bit of pressure. I do not think about that so much. I think about what I need to do on the court and results.
How do you hope to keep progressing your game in your coming years as a Pilot?
I have to believe more in my ability. Believe in my shots and keep working even harder. Really, that is all.
What are your goals?
I want to be named the WCC player of the year. I want us to be the WCC champions if that is possible. If we can keep believing, we can definitely have a chance.
Do you hope to continue playing tennis after college?
I haven’t been thinking about that as much. If I keep making good results here I would consider the option to go to professional tennis but we will see. You never know.
What was transition like coming to Portland from Serbia?
There was some culture shock. Everyone has such different personalities. Here people are not as open as they are in Serbia. Yet, I can rely on people more here. I have met so many great people here. A huge difference though is the food. In Serbia it is so natural, and here it is much fattier and more processed.
Are there any differences in how either culture plays tennis that you had to adapt to?
Serbia is a tennis nation and we have a lot of good players. I come from a nation where we really strive for winning every game you play. Sometimes you play because you don’t have a choice. Here there are also a lot of good players but they have a lot more choices.That is probably the main difference, and that kind of takes away from the intensity and the competition because you don’t have to play so seriously.
What has been the greatest challenge so far?
Making myself a part of the team. I was scared I wouldn’t be accepted the way that I am. That was probably the biggest concern. But, it has gone well. I have great people around me.
