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University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Q&A: Rachel Hanford and Zeyneb Sarioglan
10/29/2020 10:04:00 AM | Tennis
Gopher Sports sits down with the two new freshmen to discuss their campus experience, meeting the team and some fun facts about them.
MINNEAPOLIS- The Gopher women's tennis team welcomed two new freshmen to the squad in 2020-21. In a usual season, fans would be able to see Rachel Hanford and Zeyneb Sarioglan participate in fall tournaments. Instead, Gopher Sports sits down with the new Gophers to find out how their first two months are going and get their thoughts on the crazy year that is 2020.
Rachel Hanford is a native of Mississauga, Ontario and talks with Gopher Sports about fun facts about her and what she's learned about campus so far.
Gopher Sports: What has been your favorite part of campus so far?
Rachel Hanford: I honestly haven't been able to explore campus too much. So far, I would have to say Bierman Field Athletic Building.
GS: What classes have been your favorite so far this year?
RH: My favorite class so far has been Intro to Psychology. It has been really interesting to learn about how and why we do things.
GS: Which teammate has been the most helpful to you?
RH: I would say Zeyneb [Sarioglan] has been the most helpful. Knowing there is another freshman who is going through the same experiences has been comforting and stress relieving.
GS: What is something you have seen since being on campus that you haven't before?
RH: Definitely everyone's passion for football. Back in Canada people care way more about hockey than football.
GS: Which NHL team is your favorite?
RH: Montreal Canadiens for sure! Go Habs!
GS: What is your favorite thing to eat back home?
RH: My favorite thing to eat back home is definitely anything from Tim Hortons. My go to order is a coffee and a cinnamon raisin bagel.
Zeyneb Sarioglan hails from Ankara, Turkey and talks with Gopher Sports about herself and the transition to campus from her home country.
GopherSports: What has been your favorite part about campus so far?
Zeyneb Sarioglan: My favorite place so far is definitely Walter Library.
GS: What classes have been your favorite so far this year?
ZS: My favorite classes so far have been Intro to Psychology, Rock and Roll Music History from 1970's to Present Day, and Issues in the Environment.
GS: Which teammate has been the most helpful to you so far?
ZS: It is so hard to name only one. All of my teammates have been so helpful. They have really helped me adapt to college life.
GS: What is something you have seen since being on campus that you haven't before?
ZS: Squirrels! In Turkey, you can't find squirrels. Over here they are everywhere.
GS: What is your favorite thing to eat back home?
ZS: My favorite thing to eat in Turkey is kisir (a grain based salad that includes ground bulgur, parsley, and tomato paste). It is a traditional food in my country.