Each week, NUSports.com will bring you an interview with a member of the Northwestern women's tennis team to allow fans a chance to get to know the individuals who make up the 16-time defending Big Ten champion Northwestern Wildcats.
EVANSTON, Ill. – The second installment of Meet the 'Cats features redshirt sophomore Maddie Lipp. The locally grown Lake Forest native is redshirting the 2014-15 season due to a shoulder injury, but Lipp continues to be a critical member of the Wildcat team.
“Maddie is rehabbing her shoulder after surgery earlier this year,” head coach Claire Pollard said. “It takes guts, a strong work ethic, and hunger to return better than ever after an injury. Maddie has this and more.”
She has been sorely missed on the court but knowing we have her for three more seasons makes the future look very bright for the 'Cats.”
Lipp had a strong freshman campaign, giving Coach Pollard and Wildcat fans plenty of reason for optimism. She was a staple in doubles play all of last season, posting a 26-9 overall mark and a 12-7 record in dual matches. Lipp teamed up with Nida Hamilton for a 4-1 mark in conference play and three wins over ranked opponents.
She was also 15-7 overall in singles play and picked up three Big Ten wins in the sixth singles spot.
Lipp graduated from Lake Forest High School as the No. 1 ranked player in the Midwest. She won a doubles state championship and completed two undefeated seasons in singles play.
Q: Describe your recruiting process and how you ended up playing at Northwestern.
A: My recruiting process was really enjoyable. I was deciding between a handful of schools, but Northwestern was the complete package. Northwestern is one of the few schools in the country that has both top-tier academics and a highly ranked and accomplished tennis program. Coach Pollard was also a big reason for my commitment to Northwestern.
Q: What advice do you have for kids wanting to play college tennis?
A: I would tell kids to make personal goals as well as team goals, so there is always something to work toward and keep you focused. They have to also enjoy the process and thrive on competing. The process can be discoursing at times, but tennis is an extremely rewarding sport when you work hard. It has given me the biggest highs and lows of my life, and I would not change one thing.
Q: What is the greatest lesson in life that you have learned so far?
A: Through a major loss, the greatest lesson I have learned in life is to make every moment count. As cliché as that sounds, we do not know what is going to happen tomorrow or the day after. It is easy to get lost in the moment and to take time for granted. I have learned to take every opportunity that is presented in front of me and to live life with the people I love the most. One of my goals on a daily basis is to truly give everything I have into whatever I am doing.
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?
A: My greatest achievement so far is winning our 16th consecutive Big Ten Championship.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: The show “Nashville” fuels my unrealistic dream of being a professional singer. If I had a good voice I would love to be a professional singer and performer. In my next life, I want to be a professional ballerina.
Q: If you could dine with anyone from any period in history, who would it be and why?
A: Beyoncé! Because she is the diva of the century.
Q: What are your favorite songs?
A: I have different favorite songs for different parts of my day. For my workouts, I like to listen to any songs by Beyoncé and Kanye. My favorite song on my sleep playlist is “Not About Angels” by Birdy. The two songs that will always have a special place in my heart are “Landslide” by Smashing Pumpkins and “Dog Days are Over” by Florence and the Machine. I am not sure what I would do without music playing on and off throughout my day.
Q: Describe your pregame ritual.
A: If I can, I eat the same exact meal. For home matches, our team goes to Le Peep, and I order the same breakfast every time – egg white omelet with coffee. Right before our match I listen to my match day playlist. I will not give you all the details of my pre-match ritual because you might think I am crazy!
Q: How do you want people to think of you as a person?
A: I hope I leave people with the impression that I bring a certain type of energy and fun into the room or setting. I want to be thought of as a caring, loyal friend, teammate, daughter and sister. I want to be considered someone who lives passionately, smiles often, laughs contagiously and gives extreme effort in whatever I do.