North Carolina State University Athletics
Off the Court
3/7/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
March 7, 2003
Jennifer Jassawalla, a junior on the women's tennis team, began playing tennis when she was seven years old. Her mother had played tennis for Texas A&M and Jennifer grew up chasing tennis balls for her mom and dad. Her parents even met playing tennis in college.
When it came to picking a college and a tennis program, the Houston, Texas native chose NC State. "I wanted to play in the ACC, where we wouldn't have to travel that much," says Jassawalla. "I fell in love with North Carolina, I really like the south." Jassawalla's favorite thing about playing tennis in college is the team atmosphere. "In college, it's all about the team, not so much about yourself. In juniors it's all about you." She also enjoys playing doubles, "It's more fun, because there's someone else on the court with you. Someone to support you and back you up."
A biomedical engineering major, Jassawalla sees tennis as a release from school and from studying. Is it tough majoring in engineering and being a student-athlete? "Yes, but if both things are important to you, you'll make the time. My education is really important to me, so I make sure I get my work done," said Jassawalla.
Jassawalla practices yoga the night before every match. "It loosens me up, so I'm not as tense during the match and less likely to make a mistake." The team as a whole also has its pre-match rituals. The team always eats its pre-match meal together. They also put together a warm-up cd, with everyone contributing a couple of songs. And then each team member has their own warm-up rituals. "Having a pre-game routine makes you comfortable, you feel more at ease," Jassawalla said.
The women's tennis team has a big goal of making the NCAA Tournament this year. "We're at a point where we can make a huge leap if we win. We just have to believe we can do it," said Jassawalla.
