Meet the Freshmen: Gabriela Rezende
12/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Name: Gabriela Rezende
Hometown: Curitiba, Brazil
Why did you choose to attend Pitt?
"I was playing in tournaments last year in Miami and the Pitt coach recruited me, so in February I came here. When I came here I knew this was the place I wanted to be at. The city is amazing; the people who work here are so friendly; the first time I came here was awesome so that’s why I chose Pitt. I am an undecided major; I’m thinking about business but I’m not sure yet."
What was it like to play in your first college match?
"I was really scared because the girls play at a really high level, I tried to play 100% but at the same time I was scared because I didn’t want to make a mistake. I was overwhelmed but after that and I played some matches I got used to it."
What has been your favorite tennis moment throughout this past fall season?
"Probably at Harvard when we beat Syracuse and Boston College, it was a really nice atmosphere; everyone was playing as a team and cheering for each other."
Do you have any pregame rituals or warm ups?
"I don’t think I have anything, I just try to visualize positive things and that I will play well."
What is your favorite thing to do in Brazil?
"My favorite thing is to go to the beach; my grandparents have a house there so it’s really nice and the whole family goes there."
Have you faced any challenges being so far from home?
"Of course. It’s a new language, a new country, a new culture. It’s a tough challenge but I feel like I’m getting used to it and I’m very happy, very proud of myself; I’m improving and developing my game."
What are the pros and cons of being an international student-athlete?
"The pros of being an international student-athlete is learning a new language and meeting new people. The con is you don’t have your parents and you miss them a lot."
What has become one of your favorite things to do in Pittsburgh?
"There are a lot of things. Probably going to the movie theatre because I love movies. Also going to Pirate and Steeler games. There are a bunch of amazing restaurants around too."
Do you enjoy playing singles or doubles better?
"I was a singles player before coming here but since being here I really enjoy playing doubles, so I’m probably half and half. Playing with an upperclassman is nice because she has more experience and she teaches me a lot of new things as well as having good chemistry."
What is the best advice you’ve been given about tennis and from who?
"My coach from Brazil always tried to see the positive things. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I like to do everything 100% correct. He taught me how to be positive in everything that I do."
What is your favorite sport besides tennis?
"Since I’ve come here to the states I really have a liking for football. I like to play basketball, volleyball and ping pong."