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Meet the Newcomers: Emilee Duong
9/8/2021 9:27:00 AM | Tennis
Get to know the hard-hitting grad transfer from the University of Illinois.
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Golden Gopher women's tennis team welcomes seven newcomers to the team for the 2021-22 season, including Emilee Duong, a graduate transfer from Placentia, Calif., and the University of Illinois. Duong shares why she decided to become a Gopher, her impressive academic goals, her hobbies off the court, and more.
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Emilee Duong: I chose the University of Minnesota because of its unparalleled duality of academics and athletics. With regards to athletics, I truly believe that the atmosphere and environment of the team under the leadership of Coach Thompson and Coach Kelley will allow me to grow and develop more as both a player and a person. I have seen what both coaches can do on the court, as a former competitor for another Big Ten team, and I am excited to see what I'll be able to achieve under their guidance. Regarding academics, Minnesota had the perfect program with the exact field of study and specializations that align with my future aspirations, and I could not be more excited!
GS: What field of study are you in and why?
ED: This upcoming year, I am pursuing a Master's of Science in Biomedical Engineering. I've always found medical technology to be fascinating - specifically prosthetics and medical devices - and believe that my undergraduate degree in Engineering Mechanics would provide ample preparation when transitioning into this MS program. I have a passion for helping those in need, and I believe that studying BME would give me the technical background to invent or alter medical devices to make them more accessible to everyone around the world.
GS: What hobbies do you have outside of tennis?
ED: Other than tennis, I like to go golfing and occasionally skateboard. I also enjoy music a lot and am currently trying to teach myself how to mix!
GS: What's your family like?
ED: My immediate family includes my dad, mom, my younger sister, and my dog milo. I would describe my family as multicultural and traditional, with my dad and my mom being from Vietnam and Cambodia, respectively. My sister Lianne currently attends the University of California – San Diego and is studying to become a pharmacist.
GS: Did you play any other sports growing up?
ED: I did track and field in high school – I ran the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, the 400m race, and did long jump - and swam a little in middle school.
Fast Facts with Emilee Duong!
Hidden Talent: I can play two instruments: the piano and the viola
Favorite Season: definitely Autumn, I love the temperate weather and all of the different colors.
Favorite Animal: goats
Favorite Movie: Only the Brave
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy or The Black List
Night Person or morning person?: definitely a morning person
Describe yourself in one word: energetic
Favorite Food: anything Vietnamese
Favorite Tennis Player: Naomi Osaka
Gopher Sports: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Emilee Duong: I chose the University of Minnesota because of its unparalleled duality of academics and athletics. With regards to athletics, I truly believe that the atmosphere and environment of the team under the leadership of Coach Thompson and Coach Kelley will allow me to grow and develop more as both a player and a person. I have seen what both coaches can do on the court, as a former competitor for another Big Ten team, and I am excited to see what I'll be able to achieve under their guidance. Regarding academics, Minnesota had the perfect program with the exact field of study and specializations that align with my future aspirations, and I could not be more excited!
GS: What field of study are you in and why?
ED: This upcoming year, I am pursuing a Master's of Science in Biomedical Engineering. I've always found medical technology to be fascinating - specifically prosthetics and medical devices - and believe that my undergraduate degree in Engineering Mechanics would provide ample preparation when transitioning into this MS program. I have a passion for helping those in need, and I believe that studying BME would give me the technical background to invent or alter medical devices to make them more accessible to everyone around the world.
GS: What hobbies do you have outside of tennis?
ED: Other than tennis, I like to go golfing and occasionally skateboard. I also enjoy music a lot and am currently trying to teach myself how to mix!
GS: What's your family like?
ED: My immediate family includes my dad, mom, my younger sister, and my dog milo. I would describe my family as multicultural and traditional, with my dad and my mom being from Vietnam and Cambodia, respectively. My sister Lianne currently attends the University of California – San Diego and is studying to become a pharmacist.
GS: Did you play any other sports growing up?
ED: I did track and field in high school – I ran the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, the 400m race, and did long jump - and swam a little in middle school.
Fast Facts with Emilee Duong!
Hidden Talent: I can play two instruments: the piano and the viola
Favorite Season: definitely Autumn, I love the temperate weather and all of the different colors.
Favorite Animal: goats
Favorite Movie: Only the Brave
Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy or The Black List
Night Person or morning person?: definitely a morning person
Describe yourself in one word: energetic
Favorite Food: anything Vietnamese
Favorite Tennis Player: Naomi Osaka
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