Student-Athlete Spotlight
Samantha Carnall
Women's Tennis
Senior
Hatfield, Mass.
February 14, 2012
Samantha Carnall is a fourth-year member of the Delaware women’s tennis squad. This season, she became the all-time singles leader after winning her 76th career match at the Towson University Invitational. The senior business marketing major also finished third at the Hampton Roads Collegiate Invitational this past fall. Click here for a full biography.
1. How did it feel to break the all-time singles record?
Breaking this record was certainly a highlight of my four years at UD, but I prefer to look at it as contributing toward our team's accomplishments. It’s not something I set out to achieve my freshman year, but it was nice to see the hard work I’ve put in as a part of the team over the years pay off.
2. Did you accomplish your goals this season?
Yes, the fall season is all about getting good competition and matches under your belt for the spring and everyone on my team definitely accomplished this. We all competed well and gave 100 percent when we stepped on the court-something that characterizes UD Tennis.
3. How will your fall success help you in the spring?
Confidence gained in the fall always carries over into our spring season. Throughout the fall we get a good idea of our spring competition so we know what to expect. We also do a lot of practicing and conditioning to prepare for the season so that we are ready for the challenging matches we have scheduled.
4. How did you begin playing tennis?
At age five, my grandmother signed me up for tennis clinics at my local club in Massachusetts. My coach at the time instilled in me a love for the game, which has been a significant part of my career ever since.
5. What sport would you participate in if not tennis?
I haven’t had the opportunity to play a lot of other sports but I admire the volleyball team for their hard work and continued success. The sport is so dynamic and the girls are such good competitors but always look like they’re enjoying every moment when they’re out there.
6. What is your major and why did you choose it?
I am a business marketing major with an advertising minor. I chose this path because I have always been interested in business but like the creative and problem solving aspect of marketing and advertising.
7. What are your future plans after graduation?
I have already started the process of looking for a full time position in my chosen field. I would ideally like to be in a large city on the East Coast and work for an interesting and challenging brand. I would also eventually like to continue my education by getting my MBA.
8. What is the best part about being a Blue Hen?
The close-knit community and the great support system that is in place here. The people at UD make the four years spent here a great experience.
9. What has been your favorite or most interesting class here?
My marketing research class has been the most interesting and rewarding class that I’ve taken so far. Although it’s a relatively tedious subject, my professor used interesting real world examples that tied into the material, which made it exciting to learn about.
10. What is it like playing for a smaller team?
Growing up tennis was largely an individual sport, so playing on a small team has been a great experience. We are all very close off the court, which helps us on the court to motivate each other and function as a unified team. Leadership is a quality that is quickly learned on a team of our size because there are so few upperclassmen.
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