In The Nest: Hannah Neuman Talks Tennis, Photography, and More!
Medical Mutual
3/20/2023
Hannah Neuman (Naperville, Illinois) is in the midst of a strong junior campaign for the Bowling Green Tennis team. The Falcons have already eclipsed last season’s win total and recently went on the program’s longest win streak since 2013. Neuman, who has been named to the MAC Doubles Team of the Week twice, sat down to answer some questions about tennis, photography, travel, and more!
Q: You are from the Chicago area. What’s one thing people should know about your hometown?
Neuman: I am from Naperville specifically. It is southwest from Chicago. Naperville is a big city and has just about everything to do. One thing I think everyone should know about Naperville would be the downtown area. If you visit Naperville, visiting downtown is a must. There are so many stores, restaurants of all kinds, and the famous riverwalk!
Q: How did you first get into tennis, and when did you realize it was possible to continue competing at the collegiate level?
Neuman: I first started playing tennis when I was two years old. Having a father and grandfather that played tennis, it seemed inevitable that I would become a tennis player as well. I grew up with tennis as the backbone while I played other sports like volleyball, basketball, track, and field, etc., but of course ended up sticking with tennis. I started playing tournaments when I was seven years old but once I hit high school, I knew the goal was to play in college.
Q: The team recently returned from Florida with two spring break wins. How did that trip help you on and off the courts?
Neuman: Spring break was great for us. After the trip, we had a winning record and have brought up our confidence individually and as a team. Over the trip, we cooked dinner together, hung out by the beach, the pool, had a trivia night, a karaoke night, and of course practiced together. Spending all this time together brought us together and we became closer than we were before. Individually, it helped me just by having a little break but also getting the chance to play outside and prepare for outside conditions.
Q: You and Lucy Furness have earned MAC Doubles Team of the Week and are tied for the team lead in doubles wins. What has helped the two of you play so well together?
Neuman: I think what helps us play well together is just knowing how she plays and how I play. We can predict what shot each other will hit or where we will be on the court. It’s almost like nonverbal communication. I swear she can read my mind and I can read hers when we play together. We can encourage each other easily, make each other laugh, and keep each other energetic. Sometimes I’ll spit out an inside joke and then we are ready for the next point.
Q: When you think about your time as a Falcon, what moment sticks out as the most memorable?
Neuman: I would have to say this past spring break is the most memorable so far. I had the best time with my team, and we also had great success!
Q: You are pursuing a degree in Visual Communication Technology. What would like to do when your athletic career concludes?
Neuman: Knowing that my athletic career will come to an end, I understand how much sports has impacted my life. I plan to never leave the sports realm so, my goal is to be a photographer for a professional sports team, preferably with the NFL, MLB, or NHL. My two passions are sports and photography (creative services) so it is the easiest decision to combine the two.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Neuman: I think this is the easiest question anyone could ever ask me. You could ask any of my teammates and they could give you my answer. My dad is for sure the one who inspired and encouraged me the most. He has been my coach since the beginning, and I couldn’t ask for it to be any different. He has always supported me, both as his daughter and as his athlete. Knowing everything he has accomplished in his athletic career already is enough to encourage me to follow him in his footsteps. I am so grateful and lucky to have him as my father and my coach.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions or routines?
Neuman: I will get the same exact thing from Panera every time, without fail.
Q: What is your go-to meal?
Neuman: Teriyaki chicken with bell peppers, zucchini, and rice.
Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?
Neuman: Ioanna (Tsadari) for sure. We have the same humor.
Q: Describe Coach Bonnell in one word.
Neuman: Supportive
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Falcon Tennis program?
Neuman: My favorite thing is being a part of a team and competing together. It is so much fun to have teammates from all around the world but also different ages. We all come together to play a sport we love in hopes of a winning a championship!
Q: What is one individual goal and one team goal you’d like to achieve this season?
Neuman: My individual goal is to have a winning record for singles and doubles by the end of the season. My goal for the team would be to win the doubles point in every match.
