In The Nest: Eloise Saraty Provides Veteran Leadership for the Tennis Falcons
Medical Mutual
7/31/2023
Eloise Saraty (London, England) completed her first season at BGSU after playing three years at Liberty. She earned second-team All-MAC honors in her first season as a Falcon, and also earned a MAC Singles Player of the Week honor. Additionally, she shared MAC Doubles Team of the Week recognition with Ioanna Tsadari on two occasions. Earlier this summer, Eloise took time from her busy schedule to answer questions about tennis, travel, food, and more!
Q: You are from London, England. What is one thing people might not know about your hometown?
Saraty: One thing that people might not know about my hometown is that King Henry VIII lived around the corner in Hampton Court Palace with his six wives.
Q: Do you have any trips or fun events planned for the summer?
Saraty: A fun trip I have planned is going to visit Maru and Lucy in France! Lucy is from France so Maru and I will both visit her hometown and explore her country. The three of us (mainly Lucy) have been planning it for months, so we are all looking forward to it!
Q: How did you first start playing tennis?
Saraty: I started playing tennis as soon as I could pick up a racket at around the age of four. My dad would take me to the court and play with me a lot and as I got older, we’d play more and more. The first tournament I played, I won. From then on, I started to play more competitively from the age of eight.
Q: You transferred to BGSU after three seasons at Liberty. What drew you to Bowling Green?
Saraty: What drew me to BGSU was the support I received from the get-go, whether that be from the coaches, players, athletic staff, education staff, etc. They all made sure I was comfortable and they all supported my passions.
Q: You won MAC Doubles Team of the Week twice, pairing with Ioanna Tsadari both times. What was the key to your success as doubles partners?
Saraty: I can’t tell you all our secrets now…. but I think a huge part of our success was from having fun. We had a lot of fun this past year in doubles and I’m very happy to have received these mentions with Ioanna! I think when we have fun on the court, we are more relaxed mentally and our minds can focus on one point at a time. “One point at a time” was a key phrase we had. When we say this phrase, it resets us to put all our focus on the next point until all 24 points of the set are finished. Ioanna and I have similar mindsets and morals and I think that helps us understand each other on and off the court. I feel her energy and we thrive from each other’s energy. I can’t wait for the fall season to come!
Q: In your first season here at BG, you were named to the All-MAC Second Team. How did it feel to earn that honor?
Saraty: It felt really good to receive that honor and it feels so great to see that my effort didn’t go unnoticed or put to the side. It was my first end of season collegiate award at BGSU and I’m so grateful to have been selected for it.
Q: You are pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. What would like to do when your athletic career concludes?
Saraty: When my athletic career concludes, I would love to pursue a career in Animal Control. I have a big heart for animals and I believe that Animal Control plays a huge role in serving and protecting the community for both animals and people. It’s something I’ve been passionate about for a long time and I’m excited for this new adventure in years to come!
Q: When you think about your time as a Falcon so far, what moment sticks out as the most memorable?
Saraty: Spring Break 2023! That was the most fun we had as a team together when we all got close and got to know each other better.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Saraty: My parents were my biggest encouragement. They spent and sacrificed so much of their time for me to play the sport I love. I’m very grateful for all the early morning drives to practice and the long trips to tennis tournaments away from home they allowed me to do.
Q: Do you have any pre-match superstitions?
Saraty: Yes! If you know me, you will know my stuffed bunny Floppy! She travels to every away match with me and is my good luck charm.
Q: What is your go-to restaurant and/or meal?
Saraty: My go to restaurant in England is called Nando’s. In America it would be anywhere with chicken and rice.
Q: Where is your favorite spot in Bowling Green?
Saraty: I love the coffee shop called Grounds for Thought. I love to study there and be around my friends!
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team?
Saraty: Ioanna (Tsadari). I don’t know what goes on in that brain of hers and I don’t know if she knows either, but she is a funny person because of it.
Q: Describe Coach Bonnell in one word.t on campus?
Saraty: Enthusiastic.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Falcon Tennis program?
Saraty: My favorite thing about being a part of the Falcon Tennis program is the matches we get to play. I love competing and playing matches. It’s the best part to be able to give all your effort into the matches and when you win, you with your team. It’s an unmatched feeling.
Q: What is one individual goal and one team goal you have for the 2023-24 season?
Saraty: One individual goal I have for myself is to be more patient with my shot selection and choices. A team goal is to beat Toledo!!!!!
