Welcome to Saturday Spotlight, where we dive into the lives of Ohio State student-athletes and learn more about their journeys to Columbus, their love of the Buckeye traditions and who they are as competitors and students.
Anna Sanford is a senior at Ohio State. A native of Westerville, just 20 minutes or so from Ohio State's campus, Sanford has long wanted to be a Buckeye and has enjoyed her chance to live the dream for the last few years.
We sat down with her to learn about her journey to Columbus, favorite court on which she's ever played, and much more.
When did you realize you had a chance to play tennis at the collegiate level?
Anna Sanford: I started getting letters around the end of 8th grade, beginning of freshman year. Ohio State's previous coach sent one freshman year. I went on a visit my freshman year and that's when I realized I was gonna get an opportunity to play college tennis. I looked at Notre dame and some of the Ivy League schools, but committed to Ohio State the middle of my junior year so I committed pretty early.
What drew you to Ohio State outside of tennis?
AS: I grew up about 20 minutes outside of columbus so i grew up hitting with [Ohio State director of tennis] Ty Tucker and [head coach] Melissa Schaub and one of the previous assistant coaches. They definitely had a big impact on me deciding to go to Ohio State.
What is your proudest tennis moment?
AS: Probably when we clinched against Michigan my sophomore year to win our programs first Big Ten title. It was exciting because I got to be a part of it- the first Big Ten title in program history. That's pretty cool and something you don't forget.
What do you like to do when you are not playing tennis?
AS: I like to hang out with my teammates. We have good chemistry. Being so close, I like to go home a lot and see my family.
What are you studying? What has been your favorite class so far at Ohio State?
AS: I'm studying molecular neuroscience. My favorite class probably would be my Swahili class because the teacher has such an enthusiasm for helping her students. You wanna work hard since she works real hard to help you.
What is your favorite school at which you've ever played?
AS: Tennis-wise, Georgia has the nicest facilities. That would probably be my favorite place that we've gotten to play. Sophomore year I got to go play at Flushing meadows at the US Open site for a fall tournament.
What is something about you that we wouldn't believe?
AS: I hate cucumbers. They're disgusting and they ruin the taste of everything. That sounds dramatic but yeah.
What is your favorite Ohio State tradition?
AS: As a team, we have a prematch ritual where we go in the locker room and dance and goof around and get out any jitters before the match. It turns into being pretty goofy and fun.
Anna and the Ohio State women's tennis team are currently in Minneapolis for the Big Ten Tournament. After defeating Purdue yesterday, they will take on Northwestern at noon today.
You can follow the Ohio State women's tennis program on Twitter @OhioState_WTEN.
