Colleen Donnelly '08: Women's Tennis
Women's tennis senior Colleen Donnelly went to the NCAA championships in doubles as a rookie, and has been the team's No. 1 singles and doubles player ever since. Learn more about the Judges' daredevil in this installment of Seven Questions.
1) What has been the highlight of your athletic career so far?
The best experience I had so far was at the end of my freshman year. I was invited along with my doubles partner, Abby Lerner to the NCAA tournament held in Kalamazoo, Michigan. We didn't win, but it was a great experience to start my Brandeis tennis career, and a great way for Abby to end hers.
2) What makes your team special?
The tennis team is pretty small, with an average of only nine people. This allows us to become really close and get to know each other really well. Having such a close group provides support both on and off the court, and helps us achieve our individual and team goals.
3) How do your experiences on the court translate to the class room/world?
To be successful in tennis, you need to maintain confidence and fight through tough conditions and opponents. I am able to translate that into my academic career at Brandeis and do well even during the most stressful times. Although it has been difficult maintaining a tough academic schedule with tennis, the skills I learned on the court has helped me succeed throughout my career and will continue into the real world.
4) What is your favorite class and why?
Although in many of my classes I learned interesting information, my favorite class was “Introduction to Finance” because it was one class that I learned useful information that I will be able to apply to my real life after I graduate, even though I will not have a career in finance.
5) What is your favorite non-athletic activity at Brandeis and why?
When I'm not on the court, I like spending time with my teammates. We usually will meet up at a basketball game and we have weekly team dinners to catch up, in case we missed anything in practice. With the rest of my free time, I like to be with my friends outside of tennis and just relax.
6) What are your aspirations after Brandeis?
I am taking the year after I graduate off and am applying for Dental School. Hopefully I will eventually become an oral surgeon.
7) What is something surprising we might not know about you?
I love skydiving and scuba diving! I have done both while studying abroad in Australia and traveling in New Zealand, and have never had so much fun.