Catching up with McKenzie Collins

Freshman talks about what tennis has done for her along with her favorite tennis memory

January 31, 2017

BLACKSBURG - The Virginia Tech women’s tennis team boasts a roster of talented, skilled and interesting student-athletes. In an effort to learn more about their lives on and off the court, HokieSports.com will interview select Virginia Tech women’s tennis players each week.

This week, we sat down with freshman McKenzie Collins.

What differences are there from your hometown to Blacksburg?

McKenzie Collins: Savannah is super flat compared to Blacksburg. There aren’t any hills. It's also right on the coast, and there are huge, live oak trees with the Spanish moss.

Where are your favorite spots to go on campus?

MC: My favorite spots to go on campus are Squires, Bruegger's Bagels in Turner and Lane Stadium.

What got you involved with tennis?

MC: My parents got me involved with tennis when I was younger. It wasn't super serious since I was young, and I also played a bunch of other sports. My mom and I used to take our dog's tennis balls and hit it over his head just for fun.

If you could play another sport, what would it be? Why?

MC: If I could play another sport it would be volleyball. I played in high school and middle school, and I'm also pretty tall, so that helps.

Who do you look up to the most? Why?

MC: I look up to my mom the most. She played field hockey in college, so she really encouraged me to pursue playing tennis. Both of my parents have always been super supportive of my tennis endeavors.

As an incoming freshman, what brought you to Hokie country? How has your time as a Hokie been so far?

MC: Virginia Tech is such an awesome school with a great sense of community. I have family that lives in Blacksburg, so I have visited and known about Virginia Tech since I was younger. My first semester at Virginia Tech has been the best time of my life. If I could go back and relive it, I wouldn't change a thing.

What’s your favorite tennis memory?

MC: Winning the Girl's U18 doubles title at the 2015 USTA Closed Regional Tournament in Mobile, Alabama.

What has tennis done for you?

MC: Tennis has taught me so many important life lessons over the years. I met some of my closest and best friends through tennis and USTA junior tournaments as well.

COLLINS’ QUICK HITTERS:

Favorite place to play other than Tech: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Favorite thing to take on a road trip: Neck pillow

Favorite class: Foundations of Business

Favorite food: Mexican

Favorite vacation spot: Kauai, Hawaii

Biggest fear: Being late

Biggest pet peeve: Hair in the shower drain

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Snap Chat? All of them

One word teammates use to describe you: Fun

Who is your celebrity doppelganger? Vanessa Hudgens

For more information on Collins or any of the players on the 2016-17 roster, follow the program on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

For updates on Virginia Tech women's tennis, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @VT_WTennis