During NCAA Division III Week (April 7-13), UW-Eau Claire Athletics is posting spotlights from select Blugolds each day throughout the week. Today's post features Mary Frassetto, who competes in women's tennis.
Name: Mary Frassetto
Hometown/High School: Oshkosh, Wis./West
Year: Senior
Sport: Women's Tennis
Major: Political Science (emphasis in World Politics)
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
After finishing my fall season of high school tennis I realized my passion for the sport was still present. When I was accepted at UW-Eau Claire I knew it was going to be a good fit because I could compete at a competitive level and not jeopardize my academics.
What do you like most about competing in the WIAC?
It's nice that the WIAC is competitive, even at the DIII level. Also a lot of players have stayed in the region so it's fun to see how they've progressed and to play against them.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
This is pretty cliché but the greatest lesson I've learned is that "life is what you make it". You hear that all the time when you're growing up but it really didn't hold any weight until college. Being a student-athlete requires a lot of prioritizing and sometimes it's not all fun. But if you try to make the best out of all situations, it becomes easier.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
The most influential person in my athletic career is Rick Thiel. He's been my unofficial coach since sophomore year of high school. Rick has not only taught me about tennis but he's also been a great model in terms of his outlook on life.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
I've been involved in community tennis and soccer service projects where I've volunteered as a coach. For a number of years I've worked with many of the same kids. Seeing them progressing in things they love is extremely rewarding because you know you've helped them in some way to get to this point.
If you could meet any athlete, who would it be and what one question would you ask them?
If I could meet any athlete, I would love to meet Roger Federer. The question I would ask him would be, "Can we hang out?"
What is your greatest sports moment?
One of my favorite sports moments was during our fall 2012 match against UW-La Crosse. My partner and I were down in doubles and came back to win. In singles, the girl was really tough competition and I was down again but came back and won.
What is/are your favorite TV shows?
The Office is my favorite show but some honorable mentions are New Girl, Prison Break and anything National Geographic related.
What is/are your favorite foods?
Anything with cheese is good.
If you could live any place in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere that is warm for more than 4 months out of the year.
What does your "bucket list" include?
Going to five continents by the time I'm 25 and at some point going back to India.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Obviously being able to fly…but a close second is being able to breathe under water.
How would your teammates describe you?
I think they would describe me as passionate and fun.
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event rituals? If so, what are they?
I always check to make sure my cell phone is on silent and right before our match starts we have a team pep talk given by the current captains.
What is your dream job?
My dream job is to someday work for the State Department.
