MIAMI (Aug. 12, 2020) - Next up in our Q&A series with FIU women's tennis is Francisca Vergara. Coming off of her rookie season with the Panthers, she reflects on memories, teammates and what it means to be a student-athlete.

In just one season with the Panthers, she posted an 8-2 mark overall in singles action, and held a 3-1 record while playing in the No. 6 position. In her Panther debut at the Bedford Cup (Oct. 4-6) she seeded first in the Singles C bracket and advanced all the way to the championships round of the event but came up short of a title.

Q: What does it mean to be a student-athlete at FIU?
A: For me, being a student-athlete means working hard every day. It is an incredible experience and opportunity!

Q: What has been your most memorable experience as a student-athlete?
A: Although the season was cut short, every match was special. The most memorable one for me, was when I clinched against North Texas and Marshall.

Q: How has being a student-athlete at FIU made an impact on you as a person?
A:  FIU has taught me that discipline and hard work is the key to achieving our goals. Hard work always pays off.

Q: Who is the funniest teammate?
A: Sandra Bozinovic, she always knows how to make me laugh. 

Q: Growing up playing tennis, was there an athlete that inspired you?
A: I would say the Chilean tennis players Fernando González and Nicolas Massu.

Q: Which teammate do you admire the most?
A: All my teammates are admirable. We are all work hard every day, for the same goal.

Q: What do you want your legacy to be when you leave FIU?
A: Win the conference championship with my teammates and get ranked as high as possible.

Q: What is it like to be part of the Panther community?
A: For me being part of the Panther community feels like that I am part of something big, important, and honorable. 

Q: What is one place you dream of traveling to?
A:  It is hard to pick one, but I would say Venice. 

Q: What do your days look like now that the season is over?
A: At first it was hard to change the rhythm from the season to not being able to practice. It has been a difficult time since quarantine started, but I have been working out at home every day and also spending quality time with my family.

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