Nov. 17, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - LMU catches up with Ashley Anderson of the women's tennis team. A transfer from University of Washington, Anderson will bring experience and power to the women's tennis team. Anderson catches up with LMU Athletics about coming to LMU, her goals and her tennis career.

LMU: Why did you choose LMU?
Anderson: Well it was a combination of factors, I transferred from University of Washington for more playing time. My sister also just moved to Los Angeles and we are really close, so it is nice to be close to her. Plus I wanted a smaller school with good academics and a good coach.

LMU: How has your experience been so far at LMU?
Anderson: I have loved it here so far, it is a very welcoming and positive place. The girls on the team are really good people. The coaches are really considerate and attentive; we get a lot of individual attention so it is easy to start improving.

LMU: Do you like singles or doubles better?
Anderson: I think I am probably a better doubles player, but I prefer singles because you just have to rely on yourself and are in full control of the match.

LMU: What is the best part of your game?
Anderson: I have a big first serve that I can get points on. I also have a lot of strength in my ground strokes and am aggressive at the net.

LMU: Other than tennis what do you like to do?
Anderson: I like reading, yoga, travelling.
LMU: What is the most interesting place you have travelled?
Anderson: Last summer I went to Shanghai for three weeks. I have a friend who is from Shanghai so I had the opportunity to go out and visit her. The craziest food I tried out there was turtle, it doesn't have much flavor, but it is supposed to prolong your life and it supposed to be really healthy for you.

LMU: You are originally from Seattle, what is most different about being in LA?
Anderson: Well all of my family is still in Seattle so I grew up there, but I would say the main difference I feel besides being away from them is the weather. It rains a lot in Seattle, and here we get so much sun so people are always out doing things and being active.

LMU: What are your goals for tennis this year?
Anderson: Well at Washington I didn't get much competitive match play so I really want to improve and become mentally stronger. I already feel like I have started to improve this fall, but I want to transition back into playing matches and improve my overall fitness so I can last on the court.

LMU: What is you major?
Anderson: History and economics, I want to go to law school after I graduate, I think I would like to focus on corporate law.

LMU: Favorite spot on campus or LA?
Anderson: On campus I like the coffee shop in UHall to study. In LA the Geisha house is my favorite restaurant to go to.