Recently we had a chance to speak with UMBC women’s tennis player Anita Pushpanathan. The Retrievers’ #2 flight singles player enters her final season as a three-time All NEC First Team performer. Pushpanathan had competed at #1 singles in each of the last two seasons and recorded a 14-10 record against a top-notch slate of opponents last year.  Among her victims in 2001-02 were players from George Washington, West Virginia, UMass and Pittsburgh. The Retrievers blanked longtime rival Quinnipiac, 4-0, at last year’s NEC Tournament to take home their fourth straight title. Currently, UMBC is off to an 8-1 start this spring and has emerged as the preseason favorite to capture its fifth consecutive league crown when the championships commence on April 24 at the Mercer County Tennis Center in West Windsor, NJ.

Name: Anita Pushpanathan
School: UMBC
Sport: Women’s Tennis
Year: Senior

Hometown: New Foundland, Canada
High School: Prince of Wales Collegiate
Major: Information Systems
Notable Award: Three-time First Team All-Conference 

Favorite TV show: Sports programs 
Favorite Music: Hip Hop/R&B
Favorite Class/Professor: Financial Economics/Prof. Jim Thomas  
Hobbies: Outdoor Sports
Favorite Players: Martina Hingis and Pete Sampras

NEC: Why did you choose to come to UMBC?
AP: It was an up-and-coming program. It was a great opportunity and I thought I could get good exposure here. The people are great and the team is very close. I like that we are all good friends.  

NEC: What career do you wish to pursue after graduation?
AP: I want to go to graduate school and be an assistant coach.

NEC: How does it feel to be a three-time All-Conference performer?
AP: I am happy about it. I feel lucky to be injury free and playing high in my lineup. I’m glad to be playing well enough to receive the honor.  

NEC: Do you think teams come at you with more intensity since UMBC has been on top in the NEC for the last four years?
AP: Definitely. The atmosphere tells us that the #2 and #3 teams are gunning after us. We like being the #1 seed. It’s a challenge, but we are getting better all the time. 

NEC: How are you preparing for the Championships?
AP: We take each match one at a time. We have some really big matches going into April. We have some good opportunities to do something against ranked teams, but we can’t look too far ahead. 

NEC: What will it take for UMBC to repeat this year as NEC Champs?
AP: We need to be healthy. We also need to stay focused for every match. We have to go with the right preparations and stay confident. 

NEC: Who is your biggest competition at the Championships this year?
AP: Quinnipiac is always consistent and they have some good new players. They will be a good test for us.  

NEC: What is your role on the team?
AP: I am the lone senior and the only team captain. I am playing at #2 this year. This year I have a different role since I am the oldest on the team. I like being looked at as the so-called mom of the team. I am able to get the teams views across to the coaches. I’m just trying to enjoy my senior year. 

NEC: What have you learned from playing tennis at UMBC?
AP: I have changed a lot since freshman year. I am getting smarter and not trying to do things that are unnatural for me. I am sticking with my strengths. I have grown mentally as a player over the years.   

NEC: How long have you been playing?
AP: I started playing when I was five years old. 

NEC: How did you get started?
AP: My parents played, so they put me in lessons when I was young. I really enjoyed it and a lot of my friends played as well, so that made it fun.

NEC: Where is your favorite place to play?
AP: I liked playing at USC. They have an amazing facility and the atmosphere was great. I like playing where the weather is nice.   

NEC: Where is your least favorite place to play?
AP: Anywhere that it is cold and windy. 

NEC: Who are some people that have influenced you the most?
AP: My parents are very supportive with school and tennis. They always listen and believe in me. Also, my friends have been a big influence since we relate with each other a lot. My teammates have always been there for me during my four years. 

NEC: What’s the most important attribute a tennis player needs?
AP: Mental toughness and a lot of confidence are very important. During a match there are so many different feelings, but you need to be able to focus. 

NEC: What is the most memorable moment in your athletic career?
AP: Probably winning the conference championship last year. It was so hyped up during the finals. Quinnipiac had so much support that day, but we beat them and it felt great. We did what we had to do and got the job done. We reached one of our goals and could look forward to Nationals.

- Interview conducted by Dawn Van Cleef, NEC Administrative Intern