Youngstown State tennis player Gina Peretti takes time out for a Q&A with the Horizon League

Nov. 6, 2006

Why did you decide to attend Youngstown State University? 

I actually had planned on being a pharmacist and had my heart set on either Ohio Northern or Duquesne.  Then Coach Michele called me and asked me if I wanted to come on a visit.  After I met the team and walked around campus, I completely changed my mind and decided that Youngstown State was the perfect fit for me.

What is the best aspect of being a part of YSU's tennis team?

Besides the competition, I would definitely say the people that you meet along the way.  I have made so many friendships through tennis and I can't even imagine what college would have been like if I wouldn't have played tennis.

What are some of your goals for this season?

As a team, we would really like to win conference.  Each year our League keeps getting better but I feel that we have the talent to get the job done this season.

What do you do, both individually and as a team, to prepare right before you go out on the court?

Individually, I try to remind myself to constantly stay focused on my match and disregard my surroundings.  As a team, we traditionally have pep talks before each match.  The pep talks are usually both motivating and humorous, and I feel it helps everyone relax before we go onto the court.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment throughout your collegiate career both athletically and in the classroom?

Athletically, my biggest accomplishment was making the all-League team and academically I would have to say keeping a high GPA while playing tennis.

Also being an excellent student, how hard has it been to juggle your academics along with practices and events the last few years?

It has been very hard, especially during my junior and senior year.  Classes are only offered at certain times and that cuts into practices.  However, being busy and involved in athletics has taught me how to manage my time wisely, which will undoubtedly help me down the road.

What are your future career plans?

Next year, I am hoping to go to law school and that's the farthest ahead I am looking right now.

What is your favorite Coach Grim quote?

"You guys will never believe what just happened, I flushed the van keys down the toilet," (yes, it really did happen)

What do you enjoy doing most in the off-season?

I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends in the off-season.  I am also a really big shop-a-holic.

Do you have any superstitions?

Yes, I wear the same jewelry every match.

If you could compete in the Olympics in any sport, what would it be?

I would love to compete in a Winter Olympic event like the luge, bobsled, or some kind of skiing.  I don't know how to do any of those, but I think it would be really fun to learn.

What's one television show you can't miss each week?

I don't really watch television regularly, but I do watch the Pittsburgh Steelers every Sunday and I really like the Weather Channel.

What is your best non-athletic talent?

My best non-athletic talent is arguing.  A nicer way to put it would be "debating," but I am definitely more of an arguer.

Where in the world would you like to spend a week's vacation?

There are so many places that I've never been to that I would love to see, but I'd have to say Europe.  I would really enjoying spending some time in Germany and Italy to see where my ancestors came from.

What is the one luxury item that you could not do without?

My cell phone, it's practically another limb attached to my body.

If you could be on any reality TV show, what would it be and why?

I guess Dancing with the Stars or American Idol.  I know my teammates would have to agree with me on that.

Who is the most impressive person you have ever met?

My parents are definitely the two most impressive people in my life.  I come from a highly competitive family and if I wouldn't have had them pushing me to always be one step better than I really am, then I never could have accomplished some of the things that I have accomplished today.  They are two of the most hard-working people I have ever met, and it has taught me that there is always something that I can improve on or work on.  My mom and dad have always been there for me to turn to when I had a problem, and I couldn't have been given more loving and influential parents.

What is your favorite food?

Tiramisu, to be honest, there isn't a food that I don't like, but I LOVE tiramisu.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

I think I would like to be invisible, especially on the tennis court.

Who would you cast to play you in a movie?

Jennifer Aniston.  She is my favorite female actress and always plays humorous roles, which would be an essential part for an actress to play me in a movie.

If you had to choose one song to be your theme song, what would it be and why?

"What I Got" by Sublime.  In high school, my best friend and doubles partner, Stephanie, and I listened to this song on every road trip we went on to get us ready to play, or just to relax.  The song is about how you shouldn't spend your life angry, upset, etc., but rather to stop worrying and enjoy yourself. One lyric in the song is "Life is too short, so love the one you got," and that's how I try to live my life.

What is your dream job?

I really want to be either a law clerk for a Supreme Court Justice or to actually be a Supreme Court Justice.

If you could get front row tickets to any concert, now or in the past, which would it be?

Pink Floyd.

What is your favorite professional sports team to watch?  Any specific team?

I love watching professional football, and I am a really, really big Steelers fan.  (Not just since they won the Super Bowl either, some of my family is from Pittsburgh, and we have season tickets.  I was forced to be a Steelers fan since I was born and I love it).

What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas is my favorite holiday because I get to spend time with my family, the food is amazing and I love opening presents.  Even though I'm getting old for that, there's nothing better than opening gifts on Christmas morning, especially surprises.

What would people find surprising about you?

Usually when people first meet me they think that I'm quiet and reserved. I actually love to talk and I am pretty obnoxious.  I joke around a lot, but I can be serious if I need to be.

What would you do with a million dollars?

I would split it up and do the most I could with it: Invest some, give some to a charity, definitely go shopping and spend some on myself and my family (if they're lucky!), and maybe go on a vacation somewhere.

What is the best advice you ever received?

To follow your heart and pursue your dreams.  Everyone has setbacks along the way, but giving up should really not be an option.  In the end, you end up getting exactly where you wanted to go, and the setbacks only make you stronger.  If I could give anyone advice, I would definitely tell them to listen to their heart and push themselves to achieve their dreams.  It's worth it.