Junior Mia Marovic is in her second year as a member of the Texas women’s tennis team and during her short time in Austin has become an integral part of a Longhorns squad that is ranked 10th in the nation. Marovic currently boasts a 13-2 dual record in singles and has teamed with sophomore Petra Dizdar for an 8-5 record in doubles.
A native of Split, Croatia, Marovic took time out of her busy schedule to talk with TexasSports.com about the progress she has made this season, her new talent of playing the piano and the things she misses about home.
How has the season been going for you so far?
Mia Marovic: I’ve lost a couple of matches, but overall the season really has been going well. I have become much more confident in my game since last year. I started the season at No. 5 in the lineup but have moved up to No. 3 and that has given me more motivation to work harder and play better. My confidence also comes from the support I get from my teammates and coaches. We are all really close and when they tell me that I can do something; I believe that I really can.
And what about school? Is that going as well as tennis?
MM: My classes are going really well, actually. I am taking my third calculus class and I have an A right now! I’m also taking accounting, history, government and piano.
Piano?
MM: Yeah, it’s a really interesting class. I had never played the piano in my life, but now I can actually play something. We have to perform in front of the class which is kind of scary, but I’m doing pretty well.
What songs have you played in your class?
MM: We have played songs like “Let it Be,” Stand by Me,” and “Sweet Home, Alabama.” We practice the songs all together as a class and it’s pretty funny because it sounds really bad! We then have to perform by ourselves and everyone else just sings along.
There are only a few conference matches left in the regular season. Which ones are you most looking forward to playing?
MM: I’m looking forward to the Baylor and Texas A&M matches. We lost to A&M last year at the Big 12 Championships, and Baylor is really good this season. They have the second-best record in the Big 12 and we are playing in Waco so it’s going to be a tough match. I heard that their crowds are out of control, but our team likes playing in that kind of environment.
What type of music gets you pumped for a big match?
MM: It’s usually something R&B or rap. I’m really into 50 Cent right now. I love “Candy Shop” and “Hate it or Love it” by The Game.
What is something that you do in the fall that you aren’t able to do as much of in the spring because of your tennis schedule?
MM: I shop more in the fall than I do in the spring.
If you were to win a shopping spree to any store, which store would it be?
MM: There’s not a particular store I would shop at. I just like to go to the mall. Give me five hours at the mall and I’d be fine.
There is still a lot of tennis to played, and a few more weeks left of school, but have you thought about your summer plans?
MM: When the season is over, I will go home to Croatia and hopefully have a lot of fun.
When was the last time you were home?
MM: I went home over the Christmas break so it wasn’t too long ago.
What are three things would you bring back to the States from Croatia?
MM: My family, food (nothing specific) and the laid-back lifestyle of the people back home. People work a lot in the States and they seem to spend very little time with their family and friends. One thing that we do back in Croatia is eat all of our meals at home surrounded by family; we don’t go out to eat. That’s something that I miss.
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