Meet the Orangewomen: Masha Kabanova
2/7/2003 11:29:58 AM | Tennis
<br>by Jess Fisher<br>
Kabanova's decision to come to Syracuse was based on many things. First and foremost, it was to get a good education. Kabanova says it was also to gain experience and learn a new language. There was also, of course, tennis.
"At home," Kabanova said, "you don't get the chance to go to school and play tennis. It's just not an option there."
Kabanova hopes to stay in the US when she graduates. She wants to attend graduate school and get a job in management here, but she also talked about the possibility of returning home to Russia, which is now more politically stable than when she left.
"Every time I go home, I'm always more surprised in a positive way,” Kabanova said. “I love going home now. There's a lot of improvement going on, especially with the new government."
Kabanova says that being a senior is a lot of fun. The Orangewomen have four seniors this season, and she says being a senior carries new responsibilities.
"I remember coming in as a freshman and it was all nice and easy, and now, four years later, you realize that people are looking up to you and you have to be there on top," Kabanova said.
The Orangewomen are a tight knit team, and Kabanova echoed many of the positive sentiments of her teammates.
"I'm really looking forward to this season because we should be really good. The lineup is really tough," Kabanova said.
Kabanova also says being a part of a team that has so many international students is helpful. Even when they're not necessarily from the same background, they are all entering a new environment and they are helpful and understanding.
Kabanova also spoke of her experience and friendship with teammate and doubles partner Shervin Saedinia. She has been playing doubles with Shervin for almost three years. Kabanova says the two of them are very close and that their friendship helps them a lot on the court as well.
"We know each other so well that we don't have any problems," Kabanova said. "We have a lot in common, and we're always together. It's a really good connection and it helps out a lot when we're playing."
Kabanova is excited for the spring season, but is also sad because this is her final semester here. She hopes the Orangewomen will have a strong season and Kabanova and her three senior teammates will go out on a high note.
