MIAMI (Nov. 9, 2018) – Next up in our Q&A series with FIU student-athletes is Tennis's Kamila Umarova. The freshman talks about her transition to FIU, playing doubles with a senior and the team atmosphere. 
 
A native of Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Umarova opens up her rookie campaign with notable achievements, including a WTA ranking of 754 and an ITF Ranking of 154. She has already began to impress on the court, after her mos recent performance at the Bedford Cup (Oct. 14) when the Umarova-Veksler duo were victorious in the No.1 doubles flight. 

The rookie made a statement at the Hilton Head Island 15K (Sept. 25) as well, where she advanced all the way to the quarterfinals in her first appearance as a Panther. Umarova took time out of her busy schedule to sit down for five questions with FIUSports.com. 

Q: How has the transition to college been for you?
A: "The transition to college was interesting, but much easier than I expected it to be because of my team and coaches. They did everything to make it as easy as possible. Girls that are older explained everything, coach is helping me with everything--  SAAC staff, academic advisors, just everyone has been very helpful here."  
 
Q: What is it like playing doubles with senior teammate Maryna Veksler?
A: "The first time coach said I will play doubles with Maryna I was little bit scared. From the first point Maryna showed me her support and her class of game, that was really very high. I started to learn from her and she did everything to help me adopt. 
 
Q: What excites you the most on match day?
A: "What gets me excited is the team spirit. We are like one unit. Everyone support each other and I feel like I am a part of something big and strong." 
 
Q: What are you looking forward to most this season?
A: "I am looking forward to getting as much as I can and to use each opportunity to be better. I really want to do something special for this University, but I understand that everything starts from hard work."

Q: Name some differences between your hometown and Miami
A: "There are so many differences that it is easier to mention similarities. Stating with the fact that it is an international city. We have enormous number of nationalities that are living in one city, same as in Miami. However, everyone loves each other, enjoying their day, smiling to the sun and looking forward to the bright future.

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