Getting to Know Dasha Possokhova

Q: Why did you choose to attend BC?

A: Actually it was funny because I had been talking with many other schools before Boston College. I talked to a lot of big sports schools. I was focused more on academics than athletics, but I still wanted to have that intense tennis program. I made a couple official visits to schools before Boston College introduced themselves. Once I got an email from them, I was very excited because I was talking about possibly looking into the school. I guess the high standards for academics and athletics really brought me here.

Q: You've had some success on the court as a freshman. What are your strengths and what has helped you get off to a strong start?

A: I'm always driven by someone who works harder. Asiya Dair is my role model here. She gets up early every day and gets in extra practice. I really want to strive to be like other people. So I guess my strength is I'm always motivated to do more and practice more to get better because I'm not only playing for myself. I'm playing for a team. My strength is that I'm able to rise up and step up for others.

Q: Your family has a long history in athletics, especially tennis and gymnastics. What kind of role did they play in your life in terms of sports as you grew up?

A: As I was growing up, I heard a lot of stories from both sides. My dad was also a ballet dancer. So I heard a lot about how they went through their lives, the struggles they've had. They always told me that no matter what obstacles you'll face, you'll be able to excel. They give me advice like if I'm having trouble with something or not doing well, I shouldn't get too down on myself. I heard a lot of great stories about that. I was excited to hear every story my family had.

Q: What advice would you offer incoming freshmen about getting into the swing of college tennis?

A: It's very different from what we're used to in juniors. In juniors, it felt like you did a lot but you were doing it for yourself. In college, you have more of a strict schedule, but it's really fun. In juniors, you play a couple team tournaments, but it doesn't reflect what it's like in college. Here, you're doing it mostly for your team, not for yourself. I feel like they should definitely look forward to team tennis. It's really fun.

Q: Do you know what you want to study at BC?

A: Yes. I'm a psych major, but then my goal is to go to physical therapy grad school. So I'm just using that to grab on to other courses for PT medical school.

Q: I'm sure many Bostonians have asked you this when they find out you're from California, but has this winter been your first time seeing snow?

A: No, I went to Reno before. We went there when I was younger, and I skied there. And I went to Russia a couple times.

Q: How do you like Boston winters so far?

A: I like it. I actually really like the cold, so it's not a problem for me here. Sometimes the ice on the roads is a little tricky, but I'm dealing. I'm managing.

Q: You've mentioned before that you like making art in your spare time. What type?

A: I like to sketch. My passion for it started in middle school. Right now, I kind of do less of it because I just don't have much time. But I just sketched randomly, and my art teacher said I really have an eye for it. I just do it in my spare time. I get ideas for images, and then I just jot down whatever I feel like.

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