Coming off a doubles victory against Boise State last weekend, freshman Anya Dalkin’s tennis season looks to be on the upswing. In her first year in the South Park Blocks, the Tucson, Ariz., native has compiled a 9-11 overall with a 4-3 mark against Big Sky squads. She will have an opportunity to improve that mark in the near future, as the Vikings are scheduled to compete in three matches over the weekend.
Spotlight Athlete of the week
Coming off a doubles victory against Boise State last weekend, freshman Anya Dalkin’s tennis season looks to be on the upswing. In her first year in the South Park Blocks, the Tucson, Ariz., native has compiled a 9-11 overall with a 4-3 mark against Big Sky squads. She will have an opportunity to improve that mark in the near future, as the Vikings are scheduled to compete in three matches over the weekend.
Why did you come to Portland State?I really wanted to play Division I college tennis and I really liked the coach and the city. Coach [Steven] Ascher has a great sense of humor, and I knew that we would get along. I was impressed with the atmosphere of the city as well.
What is your best moment on the tennis court? I have been playing since I was 12 years old, but during the fall season here at PSU, I really struggled and didn’t win a match. However, we practiced hard, and during our first match of the winter term against Weber State, I got my first singles win.
If you could change one of your sport’s rules, what would it be? I would change the serving rules so that you could have as many serves as you needed.
What is your greatest strength? That is a tough question; I think I am a very determined person.
Which is your favorite place to eat around campus? Chipotle, for sure.
What is your favorite thing to do around Portland? To be honest, I haven’t really gotten too much time to explore the city yet. But I was able to go to the Davis Cup in November, when it was here. One night, all of our team went out dancing, and that was pretty fun.
What is the first item that you would buy if you won the lottery? I would buy a house. No, actually a car. A BMW. Or a trip to Europe. I am not sure.
What is your most embarrassing on-court moment? In a match earlier this season, I was very angry, so I hit a tennis ball at a fence during the match. The problem is I hit the ball over the fence and received a one-point penalty. I had to laugh about that one.
Do you have any hidden talents? I am a great singer. Actually, I am tone deaf, but I like to sing.
What is the last thing you cooked? Last night I made a quesadilla with cheese. Oh, it had beans too.
If you could attend one concert or sporting event anywhere, what would it be? I would either go see a Chris Brown concert, if I got to meet him, or I would go to any of the major tennis tournaments and watch Mikhail Youzhny play.
Do you read the Vanguard? If so, how often? I have read it once. I actually only have read one article. I wanted to read the article about my teammate Lacey Pflibsen. It was alright.
