Eliza Georgiades is a second-year tennis player on the Case Western Reserve University women’s tennis team. Georgiades gained valuable experience as a first-year player, even while going 4-9 in single matches, and she looks to improve on those totals next season. She loves the feeling of being committed to her play which remains a big reason that her future on the team is bright. She is currently exploring her academic interests before selecting a major. Outside of classes, she is a member of Pi Beta Phi and likes to spend time with friends.

What is your favorite part of being on the tennis team? Why?

I love being on the team because the girls are so supportive of each other whether we win or lose. Throughout this year, I have become more confident on- and off-court thanks to the team. We push each other to work harder, and I know I can always count on my teammates if I need help.

Where did you get your passion for tennis? Any good stories?

Like most kids, my parents forced me to play a sport when I was younger, and for me it was tennis. The reason I stuck with it for so long is because I love sticking a volley or winning a match with the odds stacked against me. The feeling of working harder than you thought you could is rewarding and makes you wonder what else you can accomplish if you keep working at it. 

Do you have any matches that you remember being particularly special? Why?

The first doubles match I won at CWRU with my partner Kristin Jones was particularly special for me because we were having a tough time figuring out how to work as a team at first. We had already lost two matches and were both so nervous, but we managed to strategize better after learning from our mistakes and eventually won the match. She gave me a big bear hug after we won, and I was so proud of us for fighting for the match.

Aside from tennis, what else are you involved in on campus? Can you explain what you do in them?

This year, I joined Pi Beta Phi because I wanted to be a part of a group of supportive women trying to better the community and each other. We have two big philanthropy events each year in support of literacy for young kids.

What are your favorite free time activities? Why?

Eating chocolate while watching Star Wars with my friends. It’s nice to relax and just hang out with people you care about. 

What is your favorite quote or what inspires you?  

“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they recover when they fall.” -Serena Williams