Q&A With Women's Tennis Star Alex Kelleher
February 25, 2010 | Women's Tennis
Feb. 25, 2010
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - The Boston College women's tennis team is 3-4 (1-0 ACC) so far in this 2010 season. The Eagles will look to move to 2-0 in ACC play for the first time in program history as they host No. 25 Virginia this Friday. A big reason for the team's early success has been the great play of freshman Alex Kelleher so bceagles.com caught up with her to talk about the season so far, college tennis and a friendly rivalry.
How would you rate your performance so far this spring season now that it is officially a third of the way through?
"I think I have put in a lot of time and effort to try to play my best for the team, and for myself as well. So far it has been a really good season, and I've been happy with the team's performance. My performance has also been pretty good, and it's been a challenge adjusting but it has been a lot of fun."
You have a 2-2 record at the No. 1 singles position this spring which is impressive especially for a freshman. Did you expect to be playing number one when you came to BC, and now that you are what has been you biggest reason for the early success?
"I definitely didn't expect to be playing at the No. 1 singles position right away. I have put in a lot of hard work because I did want to play high up in the lineup. I think the main reason for my success is that I always try to just play my own game, and not think about that I am playing number one. My goal is to always go out and play hard, and I hope that can help my team win. It is fun playing at number one, and there is definitely a little pressure but with tennis you always have to rise to the occasion no matter what. "
In high school you were ranked in the top-60 in the nation. Why did you choose to come play tennis at Boston College?
"Coach Nigel Bentley was a big reason because he is really passionate about the team, and he is constantly pushing you to become a better player. Also, I like the fact that it is close to home so my parents and friends can come to my matches because that is really important to me. BC is a great academic school so to be able to play at such a high level and get a great education at the same time is a really special opportunity."
You, and fellow freshman Olga Khmylev, are ranked in the top five in the Northeast region as a doubles team. You have a 4-3 record this season. How much has chemistry played a role in your early-season success?
"Chemistry with us has been huge. In doubles you really have to be able to work off your partner's strengths and weaknesses, and try to bring each other to a different level. So far Olga and I have done a great job with those things. Plus, I love Olga she is really nice, and her energy makes her a lot fun to play with."
What would you say has been the biggest adjustment for you going from high school tennis to the Division I collegiate level?
"When I played USTA in juniors or high school tennis you always had some easy matches so you could take a break. In Division I tennis every match you play is hard and you have to give 100% in every match because if you don't you won't win at this level."
Virginia, who is ranked 25th in the country, is coming to Chestnut Hill on Friday. It is the highest ranked team BC has faced so far this season. What has the team's mood been like during practice this week, and talk about playing a team like Virginia?
"Our mood at practice this week hasn't been too different. We always have a lot of energy, and we want to win no matter who we are playing. You can't really place other teams ahead of each other because you never know each week is going to bring especially in the ACC. We have been working really hard in practice because we know it is a good opportunity to play a team like Virginia. All the pressure is on them being ranked 25th in the country so we just have to come out and play the way we know we can play, and see what happens."
Our sources have told us that you have a very close friend that plays for the Cavaliers in Erin Vierra. She has been playing at the number three singles position this year for Virginia. Will you make a pitch to coach Nigel Bentley to bump you down to three so you can play Erin?
(Laughing) "No, I actually haven't. We played each other a lot in juniors so it will be weird not going up against her on Friday, but I have to concentrate on whoever I am playing in my match. If I did have to play her though, friendship comes second to winning."
Come support Boston College as it takes on No. 25 Virginia on Friday, February 26 right here on the campus of Chestnut Hill in the Flynn Recreation Complex. The match starts at 1:15 p.m.
