University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Player Profile: Ekin Ercetin
2/25/2022 10:00:00 AM | Tennis
The Gophers’ junior shares on her start in tennis, time so far in Minnesota, and more
Gopher Sports sat down with Ekin Ercetin to discuss her start in the sport, life at the University of Minnesota on and off the court, and more. Ercetin has excelled in her third season in Minneapolis, as she has found success in both singles and doubles. Originally from Ankara, Turkey, she is now one of the most senior members of the team. She shares her insights on growing up with tennis, coming to Minnesota, and what she enjoys about the team in her discussion below:
Gopher Sports: How did you get your start with tennis?
Ekin Ercetin: I first started playing tennis when my parents sent me to summer tennis school near our house. I was 6 years old.
GS: Do you have any young memories with tennis? When did you know you loved the sport?
EE: When I first started playing tennis around 6 years old, I used to hit my backhands backwards to the tarp on my side of the court. I guess as soon as I learned how to hit normal backhands, I started enjoying tennis. I knew I loved tennis when I first traveled to play a tournament with my coach and my teammates when I was around 9 years old.
GS: Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
EE: I really liked sports facilities and the opportunities the tennis program offered. I also liked the academics, team culture and the campus.
GS: What field of Study are you in; why?
EE: Computer Science. I think it fits my interests and skills pretty well. I've always been good at math, over analyzing, giving attention to detail, solving puzzles and problems, and playing games. I'm also very interested in the subject of Artificial Intelligence.
GS: Favorite memory so far this season?
EE: I don't really have a "favorite moment" but I really enjoy moments where the whole team is together, laughing and joking, talking about nothing in particular or bonding over memories. I enjoy learning more about my teammates' personalities.
GS: What hobbies do you have and enjoy doing in your free time?
EE: I like to discover new soundtracks and listen to them, re-watch my favorite shows or start new ones. I also like playing games: video games, mobile games, and board games.
Fun Facts:
Hidden talent - No idea, I guess it's still hidden
Favorite:
Season - Spring
Animal - Cat
Movie - The Usual Suspects, The Dark Knight
TV Show - Attack On Titan
Food - Ashure, Turkish Stuffed Mussels
Tennis Player - Petra Kvitova
Night or morning person - Night
Describe yourself in one word - Red