University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Black History Month: Jessika Mozia
2/27/2017 12:00:00 AM | Tennis
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from almost every Gopher program. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Jessika Mozia
Sport: Tennis
Years: 2012-16
Graduation Year: 2016
Hometown: Littleton, Colo.
Occupation: Development Associate for the Golden Gopher Fund at the University of Minnesota
What is it you miss most about the University?
I miss the school spirit of the University of Minnesota. I miss the atmosphere of game days and big events. The school spirit at the University of Minnesota is very uplifting; especially if you were an athlete competing during the time.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
The piece of advice that I would give the current student-athletes is to really take full advantage of all the resources and understand how great of an opportunity this is for you. The University offers so many different opportunities that range from career, academic, athletic, and social, that one really should not be afraid to ask questions and receive the help they need to be guided in the right direction. By utilizing the University's resources, it really puts you ahead of the game once you graduate and enter the next chapter of your life. In addition, enjoy every bit of being a student-athlete and wearing the maroon and gold. The four years go by very fast, so be appreciative and live in the moment.
Please share your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
My favorite athletic event that I have attended since I graduated was the women's tennis regional fall tournament. This event was special to me because when I was on the tennis team, it was my favorite fall tournament. In addition, it was very cool to see the University of Minnesota host this big event. The atmosphere of the regional tournament is truly a sight to see. Plus, you get a sneak peak of some of the best schools you are going to be competing against in the spring season.
What are you grateful for?
I am very grateful for my health, family and friends. Speaking in University terms, I am very grateful to have experienced and been apart of such an elite group of people in a big University. I am grateful to have been able to complete my bachelor's degree at the University, as well as competing in a strong, competitive conference athletically. Graduating debt-free is always a plus as well. Finally, I am grateful for all the resources that the University provided me from academic tutoring and advising, professional networking events and etiquette dinners; social ethnicity and race group gatherings; and athletic support ranging from injury treatment and the privilege to play for one of the country's best Universities.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month means acknowledging, representing, and being prideful of all African American culture. It is about educating those around you about all the great accomplishments and what an honor it is to be an African American. Black History Month is a special month for us to shine and really be proud of all of our tenaciousness, dreams, and goals, and everything we have overcome and accomplished to be the individuals we are today. Black History Month is pride.
What occupies your time now?
My new job at the University of Minnesota in the Golden Gopher Fund occupies my time now. In addition, I teach tennis on the side.