Senior tennis player Katya Zapadalova has to think twice before she heads home because logistically, it’s not easy.
Hailing from Yaroslavl, Russia, Katya chose Indiana University to pursue her tennis career.
“IU is one of the best schools for both academics and athletics, and I think that’s what made my decision to come here,” Zapadalova said. “We have a great tennis program with one of the most experienced coaches in the country.”
At Indiana University, Katya has been a crucial part of the Hoosiers’ tennis program. With both her parents playing tennis, Katya grew up on the court.
“Since I was two years old, my parents always brought me with them to the tennis courts where I would run around and pick up balls,” Katya said. “When I was five years old, I picked up a tennis racket for the first time and have never stopped playing.”
Growing up, Katya was ranked as high as No. 10 nationally, and reached the semifinals of the Russian Championship.
“I love tennis, it’s the biggest part of my life,” Katya said. “I love the competition and the feeling of achievement. Tennis builds my personality outside of the court as well, and it helps me get through any difficulties in life.”
At IU, Katya has proved her talents. Playing number one in singles and doubles since her sophomore year, Katya has beaten highly ranked Big Ten players from Penn State, Michigan, and Minnesota.
As an admirer of tennis professional Maria Sharapova, Katya’s favorite shot is the forehand down-the-line winner.
“My style is to be aggressive and go for winners,” she said.
Off the court, Katya stays busy. While majoring in sports management, she always finds time between classes and tennis to hang out with her friends.
“I love spending time with my friends,” Katya said. “We always go out for dinner, movies, or just hang out together.”
Even though she is far from home, Katya has found a substitute family within her teammates.
“We share so many things together and all my teammates became my second family,” Katya said. “We practice together, travel together, compete together, and we go through wins and losses together. I love the feeling of playing matches, and knowing that all my teammates are right next to me.”
When asked if she thinks she made the right decision to follow her tennis career to IU, Katya replied, “I definitely wouldn’t have it any other way.”
