Jan. 31, 2018

As we continue through the 2018 season, members of the Virginia women’s tennis team took some time to sit down and answer a few questions to provide a little insight and help our fans get to know them better as student-athletes.

Name: Cassie Mercer
Major:
Foreign Affairs
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Huntington, West Virginia
High School: Huntington HS

What do you love most about competing as a Virginia Cavalier?
I love being able to play alongside my teammates. It is so much different than junior tennis, and I love the team atmosphere.

Why did you choose Virginia?
I loved the team when I visited, and that was really important to me. Also, the combination of the high level of tennis along with the academics was really important to me.

What will be your lasting memory of your time as a Virginia Cavalier?
I will definitely always remember competing alongside my teammates on the court along with all the time we spent off the courts and all the friendships that I will have forever.

What defines a Cavalier?
I would define a cavalier as a hard-working, motivated teammate dedicated to helping everyone grow each day into not only better tennis players, but more importantly growing as people.

Who or what motivates you in your sport?
For me, playing on a team motivates me a lot. Also, my parents and siblings, who have sacrificed so much for me and love me unconditionally, are extremely important to me and motivational.

What are your goals for the season?
My goals for this season are for each of us to improve every day as tennis players, students, and people. There are so many opportunities given to us each and every day, and it is very important to me that I cherish each of them and use them to grow.

Favorite family vacation?
My favorite vacation is going to the Outer Banks with my family. I love spending time with my parents and siblings all together in the same place with a beautiful view.

Favorite class?
My favorite class so far has been Intro to Entrepreneurship. I really enjoyed listening to the guest speakers the professor would bring in. Each person got to where they are on a different path. I loved to hear about their journeys, and then used it to motivate me to accomplish my goals in the future.

Favorite cereal?
Raisin Bran

Favorite movie?
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Who is your hero and why?
My parents are my heroes. I have never met more selfless people. A day has never gone by in which I doubted how much they loved my siblings and I. Every day, I aspire to learn from them and cherish how lucky I am to have such a great family.

Favorite holiday?
Christmas

Favorite TV show?
Gossip Girl