University of Minnesota Athletics
First Serve With Barbara Mancera
10/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
Minneapolis, Minn. -- Sophomore Barbara `Bita' Mancera comes to the University of Minnesota after transferring from North Carolina State.
Mancera missed the first two tournaments of the fall season because of a foot injury. The Mexico City, Mexico native played her first match for the Maroon and Gold Oct. 13 at the USTA/ITA Central Region Championships, defeating Lisa Andersson of Nebraska 6-4, 6-4.
GopherSports.com caught up with one of the newest Gophers on how her first tournament went.
GopherSports.com: Coming into the ITA Central Region Championships at Baseline Tennis Center, were you nervous about your first match as a member of the Golden Gophers?
Barbara Mancera: I was a little nervous. There were a lot of expectations, but I think I handled it very well and I am excited for the next match.
GS: Was it a difficult transition when you transferred to the University of Minnesota? Have you made yourself at home or are you still adjusting to the new environment?
BM: I think it was a tough transition at first, but everyone was very welcoming; the coaches and all of my teammates were very nice. I feel like I am a part of the family and I am really happy to be here.
GS: What are your future goals from an academic standpoint as well as tennis?
BM: I just want to be the best tennis player I can be while getting a good education. I want to get a degree in economics and keep competing for Minnesota.
GS: Everyone calls you Bita, where did that nickname come from?
BM: My mom's name is Barbara too and Bita is short for Barbarita, which means little Barbara in Spanish.
GS: Are you ready for the Minnesota winter? Have you experienced a winter like we have in Minnesota?
BM: I haven't experienced a cold winter yet but I'd like to believe that after going winter clothes shopping with my teammates that I am ready for the winter!
Story by Athletic Communications Student Assistant Nirav Sura.
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