By Andrew Lyon
Faithful to "Grey's Anatomy," "Scrubs" and "Family Guy," this varsity athlete doubles as a biology student who puts Nutella on everything: cereal, fruit or just by itself.
There's something about scooping this sweet chocolate, hazel-nut spread straight from the jar that she said "makes every thing taste so much better."
Meet Perth-born, western Australian freshman Cassie McCloskey, the newest UP Women's Tennis recruit.
Since she started playing tennis at the age of nine, her success was natural, winning awards at a young age well before considering private lessons or seriously pursuing the sport.
While searching for colleges in the US, McCloskey's scout recommended the University of Portland as a viable environment to compete and receive a solid education.
Her scout told her specifically of Portland's good weather. Waiting for summer and sunnier days, "I just got to tough it out," said McCloskey. "Uniforms look cool though."
Even when sweaty, smelly and out of breath, McCloskey likes to look good in competition.McCloskey connects with her teammates through a shared love and dedication for the sport.
Uniting in a seriously competitive attitude and an intense drive to improve, McCloskey and her teammates match their intensity with the balance of a good sense of humor. McCloskey enjoys how funny, frivolous and lighthearted they can be.
"They're not all serious." said McCloskey. "They know how to laugh."
McCloskey finds inspiration in professional tennis player, James Blake, who was riddled with injuries, but still managed to be a successful competitor while entertaining "a life outside tennis."
The season begins this Friday for the first match of the spring season; the Pilots will travel down to Eugene, Ore. to play the Ducks at 5 p.m., and will remain in Eugene to face Eastern Washington University on Saturday.
The Pilots will return five players from last years' team, which finished 8-12 overall.
The Pilots also gained freshman recruit Valeska Hoath in the offseason.
Looking optimistically toward the spring, McCloskey said that she was ready to "plan on winning this year."
