Adrianna Meiergerd is a senior tennis player for the Packers. Austin will open its season at Paulson Tennis Courts Thursday.

Q: What sports do you compete in?

A:  I compete in tennis.

Q: How did you originally get into tennis?

A:  In eighth grade my family moved to Austin from a small town in Nebraska. My previous school did not offer tennis, so once we moved here I thought joining tennis would be fun! I had never picked up a racket before the first day of practice in eighth grade.

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A:  I love spending time with my teammates. Every year we have a sleepover with all of the girls. The opportunity to spend time with my teammates and to bond on a different level off the court is a favorite part of the season and the best memories come from the friendships I have made.

Q: What have you learned from sports?

A:  I’ve learned how to be part of a team. In tennis, it’s important to encourage your teammates on and off the court. If you’re not playing a match, you cheer on your teammates who are on court and that helps the team bond together and play better overall.

Q: What is the hardest part about sports?

A:  The hardest part about sports is learning how to control and focus your attitude and mindset. You can choose to have a positive attitude even when the game isn’t in your favor, putting in full effort  when you’re having a long match and you’re down 0-6, and demonstrating good sportsmanship if  you lose. Learning to accept these things has been hard, but has become a learning experience that helps not only in sports, but in life too.

Q: How do you keep your focus when competing?    

A: During the summers, I’ve attended a Tennis and Life camp at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter. Steve Wilkinson, a former coach at Gustavus, started the camp and started painting smiley faces on the faces of his tennis players rackets. Eventually, painting smiley faces on the faces of the rackets of the campers has become a tradition. I have a smiley face on the face of my racket from camp, and it really helps me focus during matches and helps me keep a positive attitude in court.

Q: Who is your biggest sports role model and why?

A:  LeBron James is probably my biggest sports model. He has not only had a great career as a professional basketball player, but he has also made great contributions to society. Recently, LeBron has partnered his family’s foundation with the Akron School board to create a public elementary school to help struggling elementary students stay in school. Being able to manage a professional career in sports as well as donating time and money to causes such as this make him a great sports model for any athlete.

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: I really like the movie The Notebook.

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A:  My favorite subject in school is history.

Q: What is your dream job?        

A:  My dream job is to become a lawyer and own my own law firm.

Q: What is your favorite food?

A:  My favorite food is ice cream. I love every flavor, especially strawberry

Q: What are your plans after high school?         

A:  I plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in business, with a focus in finance, followed by attending law school.

Q: What’s a fun fact about you or hobby you enjoy most people don’t know about?

A:  I really enjoy baking. I’ve baked cookies and cakes since I was little, and have eventually worked up to making pastries like cream puffs!

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

A:  I think it would be really cool to be able to fly.