Sophomore Monta Reinfelde has been the ace for the WKU tennis team ever since her arrival from her native Latvia. Reinfelde has followed up a great freshman year that saw her accumulate 14 singles wins with a phenomenal sophomore year.
Reinfelde closed out the regular season this past Sunday with a record of 15-1 in singles play and a record of 14-2 in doubles play. This feat is even more impressive as she has played from the No. 1 position the entire year.
When did you start playing Tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was six, and it was basically because of my
grandfather, who was the coach.
At that point, did you feel this is something you could do through college
and beyond?
I wanted to play professionally, but when I turned 16 or 17, I understood
that I was not good enough to play professionally. College seemed like the
best option.
Why did you choose WKU?
There were many athletes that came from my city [Liepaja,
Latvia] that came here before me and had really good experiences here.
They told me about it and I said 'why not?'.
What other athletes lived in your city and helped influence your choice?
All of them were tennis players and among them was Karina Ledaja.
What do you love about Tennis?
I love that the sport is so competitive. I don't like to play in a team - I
mean we are a team - but I like to compete on the court by myself. If I am
good that day I will win, if I am bad then I will lose, but I don't have to
rely on other people.
Who has had the biggest impact of your career?
My grandpa.
What is your best moment at WKU?
I love the trips to the tournaments with the girls. We have a lot of fun.
We compete, and that is one part of the trips, but the nicest part is just
going there. Just going there and listening to music and Coach [Jeff True] typically
gives us snacks and then we have dinners together as well. Its just nice.
What is the funniest moment you have had playing Tennis at WKU?
The funniest moment is actually not very funny now that I think
about it. I think its funny when you are the last person playing and the
whole result depends on you and the whole team is around you and supporting
you.
What is the best class you have taken at WKU?
All of my journalism classes; I just really enjoy them. I am in Graphic
Design class now and the teacher is so cool.
What is your favorite part of WKU?
My favorite part of WKU is meeting new people. Since WKU is an
international school, I can meet people from all around the world and make
new friends. Maybe whenever I decide to make trips around the world now I
will have a place to stay and not have to pay for hotels.
What do you hope your future holds?
I want to become the Editor-in-Chief of some of the women's fashion or
lifestyle magazines. One day, I hope to be at Vogue or Cosmopolitan or
something like that.
If you could have a dream car, you would drive a...
S-Class Mercedes.
You like that car?
Yes, must be white.
What is on your I-pod Right now?
I listen to Coldplay, but I have really random music on my IPod so there is
no one particular thing I really listen to.
Who is your favorite athlete?
I love ice hockey as a sport, but for tennis players, I would have to say
Novak Djokovic.
What actress would play you in a story made about your life?
I like Amanda Seyfried, who was the main character in my favorite movie, Mama
Mia. I would love her to play me.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I used to dance - ballroom dancing specifically. A lot of people don't know
that. When I was 12 years old, or maybe a bit younger, I had to decide
between tennis and dancing, and I chose tennis. But I was good.
Hey, my name is Monta Reinfelde and thank you for watching Behind the Red
Towel!
