Senior Kali Krisik earned the ITA/Arthur Ashe Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship for the Midwest region.

On The Clock With Kali Krisik

April 26, 2010

Senior women’s tennis captain Kali Krisik has made a major impact on the Irish program since her arrival on campus. The Arkansas City, Kan., native was named the 2010 BIG EAST Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player after compiling a 3-0 record at both No. 5 singles and No. 1 doubles, and clinching the win for the Irish in the final match. Krisik sat down with UND.com to tell us a little more about herself.

1. What quote do you live by?
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

2. What is your dream job?
Writing song lyrics and picking background music for TV shows and movies

3. Before competing, what are you most likely to eat?
A sandwich, chips, banana, and a Gatorlyte

4. What are some of your hobbies aside from tennis?
Playing other sports, singing, volunteering, sleeping, coloring, and trying new things

5. Who do you look up to the most?
My grandpa, J.C. Louderback

6. North Dining Hall or South Dining Hall?
North, without a doubt

7. What is the most difficult part about playing Notre Dame tennis?
Finding a way to balance my time.

8. If I took a look inside your fridge, what would I find?
A lot of shredded cheese, eggs, fruit, and root beer

9. What is your most favorite vacation spot?
Breckenridge, Colo.

10. You have one day completely to yourself; what do you do?
Sleep in until noon, go to the lake with my friends, nap, watch a movie with my family, and eat a lot.

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?
Somewhere warm, employed, and happy.

12. What do you miss most about your hometown?
The town holiday, Arkalalah.

13. What is your favorite athletic facility to compete in?
Eck Tennis Pavilion

14. Who is your favorite professional tennis player?
Roger Federer

15. Would you rather a match be an easy win or a late victory?
As long as it is a victory, it doesn’t really matter, but I would prefer an easy win.

16. Where is your favorite place to study?
Starbucks

17. What are three words that describe you?
Competitive, outgoing, and ambitious

18. How did you initially become involved in tennis?
Most of my family plays tennis and my grandpa began teaching me at the age of 4.

19. What is your favorite academic class you’ve taken so far?
“Self, Society, and Environment” with Professor Andrew Weigert

20. What do you treasure most about playing tennis for Notre Dame?
Everything. I have made lifelong friendships while playing for one of the top coaches and programs in the country. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

— ND —