University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Alumni Spotlight: Mehvish Safdar
1/21/2019 11:49:00 AM | Tennis
Degree/Major: Psychology, B.S.; minor in Neuroscience
A product of the Ursuline Academy in Ohio and as a highly sought after prospect at the preparatory level, it was never in question whether or not Mehvish Safdar would become a staple component of the Gopher women's tennis lineup. Recently, Gopher Sports got the chance to sit down with Safdar to discuss how her athletic and academic background at the 'U' helped guide her to her current career path, the relationships she formed on campus, and her advice for future members of the Maroon and Gold.
GS: What has been keeping you busy since you graduated? Where are you living and working?
MS: "I am now at the University of Denver in the Sport and Performance Psychology graduate program, which is a two-year master's program. My coursework involves learning mental skills training to help improve athletic performance. I am applying my classroom learning in the field as I work with three different sport teams as a mental performance consultant in training. I am also interning at an organization called Resilience Code. The organization is a health and wellness center with an integrative and proactive health care approach. The mission of the organization is to help prevent and/or treat illnesses and injuries and maximize wellness. I specifically work with concussion clients and my tasks range from conducting neuromechanical tests, assisting with treatment programs, partaking in research projects, and dealing with the inner business workings of the organization. Aside from classes, applied field work, and my internship, I am embracing all that the amazing city of Denver has to offer. I have tasted some of the best food, hiked up some of the highest elevations, witnessed incredible views, (attempted) skiing and snowboarding, and met some phenomenal people."
GS: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
MS: "My greatest accomplishment since graduating has been turning my passion into a career pursuit. Partaking in college athletics made me realize two things: 1. The importance of continuous progress and improvement 2. The critical role the mental side plays in sports. Coinciding with this realization, I realized my passion to assist athletes in continuously improving and progressing in their performance domain and reaching their full potential through mental skill training that will optimize their performance."
GS: How did your time in the Maroon and Gold help prepare you for life after college?
MS: "I owe a big thanks to the Maroon and Gold for helping me get to where I am today--happily pursuing my passion. I was fortunate to have been given so many opportunities to develop life-long skills and immerse in different experiences that molded me into the person I am. The uniquely enriching and supportive environment that the Maroon and Gold has to offer helped foster my self-development and self-discovery."
GS: What is your favorite memory from your time as a Gopher on the court? Off court?MS: "On the court, I would have to say that my favorite memory as a Gopher was my senior weekend, beating Penn State and Ohio State. Those are two teams we had lost to the previous year, so it was a great feeling to get them back on our home courts. Being able to top off an undefeated weekend with the senior year ceremony with the most amazing teammates by my side was an irreplaceable feeling that I will forever cherish. Off the court, I would say all the moments in between matches. We not only got to know each other as players, but as people. We shared so many laughs and good times during long car rides to and from the airport, meals, the locker room, anywhere and everywhere."
GS: What makes Minnesota so special?MS: "After completing 14 recruiting trips, with Minnesota being my last, I remember stepping onto the campus and knowing that there was something extremely special about that place. I can confidently say that after four years at the University, my initial instinct was right--the University of Minnesota is such a special place. Aside from the undeniable beauty of the campus, the people are what make it the incredible place it is. There was always so much support from the administrators, faculty, coaches, peers--you knew that the people around you truly wanted to see you succeed and reach your full potential in all areas of life. The culture of the Maroon and Gold community is unbeatable."
GS: When we talked to Caroline she spoke highly of the bond you two shared. Can you touch on your friendship both on and off the court and what it meant to be alongside her for four years?
MS: "Being able to do my four years of college with Caroline by my side was so enjoyable for me. I admired her for the great tennis player and teammate that she was, but most importantly, I admired her for the amazing friend that she was to me. We have nearly completely opposite personalities but that didn't stop us from sharing some of the best moments and conversations together. We complimented each other as doubles partners, as co-captains, as roommates, and as lifelong friends."
GS: If you could give one piece of advice to current or future players that you wish you received during your collegiate years what would it be?
MS: "My one piece of advice for everyone, including future players is as follows: put 100% of what you have into what you're doing. Whether you are at practice, in the classroom, or having a conversation with a friend, put your all into it. I am a strong believer of doing things with purpose and intent in order to get the most value out of what you are doing. It can be easy to go to practice and just through the motions, but the only person you are hurting is yourself. It is not realistic to say that you will be 100% every day or be 100% for every match, but give 100% of what you do have. After playing a weekend full of three-set matches and recovering from an arm injury, you may be 65%, but give 100% of that 65%."