Tamra Wroblesky (Freehold, NJ/ Communications) is entering her senior year as a double-major in history and women and gender studies. In doubles matches in 2008-09, she had a combined record of 23-3 and posted a 5-3 mark in singles matches and advanced to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association regionals with teammate Emily Petersack. When she’s not returning serves, Tamra is either swing dancing in Philly or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. For this photo, she hiked up the official’s chair.
Question: How has your tennis game improved since your freshman season at TCNJ, and what aspect of your game are you currently working on to make better?
Tamra Wroblesky: I never got to play doubles in high school and never realized how different of a game it was before I came to TCNJ. Now doubles is my favorite part of a match because it's high intensity and has such a different strategy then singles. Right now I'm trying to use my height to make my serve a much more powerful weapon.
Q: During your tennis career, what is the worst thing you have ever heard a doubles player mutter (or yell) to her partner during a match?
TW: I guess the worst thing is when partners are so angry at each other that they just stop talking on the court. Then when you hit the ball right between them, no one swings at it, and there's just awkward silence when the point is over.
Q: What do you think about when you're on the court?
TW: If you were able to record the things that go through my head while playing, you would be amazed at how much does not pertain to tennis. Every year I pick a different song to sing in my head while I serve. So far I've gone through "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne, "Be a Man" from Mulan, and Beethoven's 7th Symphony. I'm currently taking requests for this year's song.
Q: If you could take in dinner and a sporting event with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
TW: This is tough. Can I bring someone who's been dead since the 14th century? Being a history major, I'd have to bring back spiritual leader Rumi as well as a translator so I could rack his brain about Sufism. Then I'd introduce him to the wonders of 21st century pizza and American football.
Q: If your parents were forced to disclose something about you that drives them nuts, what would it be?
TW: I have a tendency to plan and go on crazy adventure trips and never ask my parents for permission. I'll just call them at 9:00 at night and say school is going well and oh by the way, I'm going to climb some mountains in Australia this winter break. Luckily they have never stopped me from traveling and have given me numerous rides to the airport at ungodly hours which I am eternally thankful for.
Q: You’re invited to compete on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. The taping is at 11 a.m. and you have your Women and Gender Studies final exam at 11 a.m. What would you do?
TW: I'll go to the taping, win the million dollars, and then bribe my professor with cash and baked goods.