Women's Tennis Senior: Kaitlyn Macdonald

Kaitlyn Macdonald

By Tegan Ellis

What is your major and how did you end up at ONU?
I’m a pharmacy major, and I ended up here because of the pharmacy program and partially because of tennis.

Which do you prefer more, doubles or singles?
I used to like singles a lot more, but since coming to college I now really prefer doubles because I have been really lucky to have great partners. Plus, the fast pace makes it a lot of fun.

What will you miss most about playing tennis at ONU?
I will miss the team concept here and all the experiences with the girls on the team. They really made tennis a lot of fun.

As a senior, what responsibilities do you feel you hold on the team?
I think as a senior there is a leadership responsibility. Even though everyone on our team has played at least a season, the seniors have had more experiences that they can draw on in different situations.

How have you seen yourself improve over the last four years?
I have learned to navigate through points and think a lot more on the court instead of just hitting the ball. I have also seen myself develop a lot more leadership skills as opposed to in high school.

What are your strengths on the court?
I’m not usually afraid to be aggressive when I play. I am very persistent in everything so I never give up on a point or a shot until it’s absolutely over.

What advice can you leave for the underclassmen?
You can learn a lot from each of your teammates. On a team there are so many different types of personalities and different strengths and weaknesses during a game; by getting to know everyone you can really draw a lot just from being around your teammates.

How does it feel to hold the title as a three-time 1st Team All-OAC honoree?
It’s a definite honor because we have a strong conference for tennis. I think I am more proud of the team titles. We have fun because that says more about the success of our teams program than just individual awards.

You are a member of the 100-Win Club, what is this accomplishment like?
It was really cool to become a member, especially because of the company that I am with in that club. it’s great to think that I have contributed to the program with those wins.

In 2005, you were tied as the singles season leader with a 25-2 record and were the combined win leader with a 49-8 record. What does holding this title mean to you?
That was my freshman season and it was really cool for me to be able to come in and contribute immediately into a program that I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to play when I was a senior in high school. That season was a lot of fun because it was part of our team’s path to winning both regular season and OAC tournament titles, which we hope to repeat this year.

You have also received several academic awards such as the ITA Scholar-Athlete (2005-2007) and Academic All-OAC (2006-2007). How have you balanced such a rigorous tennis schedule while still staying on top of your studies?
Good time management. I just try to stay very organized and on top of things. I know my schoolwork has to be a priority so I just have to be careful about different things that I commit to. Plus making sure I have enough time for everything.

You are currently 4th in Doubles wins as of 2005 until now with 65 wins and 5th in singles wins with 62 and 4th  in combined wins with 127. What has helped you be so successful?
I have always had a good work ethic because things haven’t always come easily to me. I always give 100% and try to stay focused on my current goals.