MIAMI (July 15, 2019) - Next up in our Panther Q&A we introduce FIU Tennis player Maria Turrillo. The Venezuela native completed her junior season at FIU as a transfer student from Embry-Riddle University. 

In her first season with FIU she participated in all 19 matches and recorded a singles record of 5-11 including a 2-3 record against C-USA opponents. With doubles partner Sandra Bozinovic, the duo tallied an 8-4 mark and ran a win streak that lasted from March 3-11. The pair closed out the season with multiple wins at the conference championships in April and overall registered a 5-1 mark against conference opponents. Turrillo is now preparing for her senior season at FIU, and she took time to sit down with FIUSports.com for a little back-and-forth Q&A.

Q: Describe your last season and what you have learned
A: "The last season was a turning point for me in all aspects. I understood what it was like to play for a team as a whole, to have the same goal and work together to achieve it. It was a season that gave me a lot of experience and strength to continue to improve. I learned that even though tennis has its ups and downs, you have to 'trust the process' as my coach Katarina would always say."

Q: Were there any challenges of being a transfer student-athlete?
A: "Yes, there were challenges I had to face, but all of it helped me develop my game better. I started training harder, pushing myself more and being more competitive on the court. Also, adjusting to a new team with different players was a challenge."

Q: What goals do you have during your time at FIU and following your FIU career?
A: "My goals during my time at FIU is to win conference next year, my senior year. I think that would be very special. Also, graduating with a good GPA and eventually start working."

Q: Describe your fashion style
A: "My fashion style is casual."

Q: Favorite restaurant in Miami?
A: "My favorite restaurant in Miami is the Capital Grill and La Centrale." 

Q: What's it like playing for Coach Katarina Petrovic?
A: "Playing for coach Katarina has taught me many different things. Hard work pays off, having a clear mindset is really important, push yourself and your team. She always wants to see you improving physically and mentally. She is very positive which helped me a lot to improve my game."

Q: If you could have a super power what would it be and why?
A: "The super power I choose is teleport transportation. It would be amazing to just go somewhere else in a matter of seconds."

Q: What was your favorite moment from last season?
 A: "My favorite moment from last season was when we played three matches in a row and we were able to win all of them. I think at that point of time we gained a lot of confidence."

Q: What advice would you give to a new member on the team?
A: "My advice to a new member is to enjoy the student-athlete experience. It is a privilege and a tremendous opportunity. Also, I would say time management is really important in order to be successful in tennis and in academics."

Q: What is your favorite TV show 
A: "My favorite TV show is Grey's Anatomy."

Q: Outside of tennis, you like to do what? 
A: "Outside of tennis I like to spend time with my family and friends. Also, I enjoy doing other sports like surfing and wake-boarding." 

SOCIAL MEDIA
Get all the latest information on the team by following @FIUWomensTennis on Instagram and @FIUWomensTennis on Twitter and Facebook. General athletic news can also be found at @FIUSports on Facebook and @FIUAthletics on Twitter and Instagram.