In The Nest: Lucy Furness Talks Falcon Tennis
Medical Mutual
9/27/2023
Lucy Furness (Cleguerec, France) completed two seasons at Stephen F. Austin before joining BGSU in the 2022-23 season. She saw success with Hannah Neuman last season as they tallied 10 double wins, tying for the most wins by a duo on the team. Lucy took time to answer questions about her tennis background, BG, and more!
Q: How did you start playing tennis?
Furness: My dad is a coach, so he introduced me to tennis as soon as I could walk! He has been my coach ever since.
Q: Describe being an international student-athlete?
Furness: It is definitely something special. It is a sacrifice to be far from home and not have my family being able to come to our games, but also the greatest opportunity I was given. Being able to continue tennis at a good level, while getting a degree is not something possible in France at the moment.
Q: Your brother, Evan, is a professional tennis player. Describe your sibling relationship as you are navigating your college career, and he is navigating his professional career.
Furness: He had a lot of friends who went to play college tennis, so he pushed me into the process. I used to go watch him compete very often before moving to America, so it is a little frustrating not being able to do so now. However, I try to watch all his matches on streaming if I can. I know he follows my results as well, and we keep in touch even if we are far away.
Q: What is a personal goal for this season?
Furness: I would like to improve my record from last year and pass two rounds in the qualifying of the ITAs.
Q: You and your duo's partner, Hannah Neuman, tied for the most wins by a duo on the team last season. How are you and Neuman preparing for another successful season?
Furness: This year we have the objective to be more aggressive at the net, so we are working on that in practice at the moment. I feel that the more we play together the more we understand each other and get better. I am extremely excited to play with her this season.
Q: Describe the BGSU Tennis dynamic?
Furness: It is great, I feel like we can sense the good atmosphere among the team. I feel like everyone is trying hard to do well and get the team on the right path for the spring season.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from BGSU Tennis?
Furness: No hesitation, spring break 2023!!! We had a blast in Florida. One of my best memories in college overall. We had good results and to add to that we had the beautiful scenery and amazing weather, it was the perfect combination for a great time.
Q: Describe Coach Bonnell?
Furness: I think he is patient and very goal-oriented, which is great for the team. He is also funny but in his own way haha.
Q: What is your favorite spot in Bowling Green?
Furness: Last year it was Flatland's coffee. However, this year I discovered Novel blends, and it is my new favorite place.
Q: Before coming to Bowling Green, you played two seasons at Stephen F. Austen. What drew you to transferring to BGSU?
Furness: I wanted to start something new, a fresh start in a different environment, and to get away from the humid and extremely hot weather in Texas. I love the Ohio weather better ha-ha!
Q: What do you miss the most about your hometown in France?
Furness: The food!!! I miss the Sunday lunch at my grandmother’s place with all my family. I also miss the practice sessions with my dad in my old club.
Q: If you had to choose one professional tennis player to play duos with, who would it be?
Furness: I will definitively choose my brother. I have not played with him in forever, but it would be fun to play mixed doubles with him once.
Q: What athlete do you look up to the most?
Furness: I have been into formula one lately. I really like Pierre Gasly from the racing team, Alpine. He went through tough times but was able to overcome everything, that’s what I like about him.
Q: You are majoring in Economics, what do you plan to do with your degree after your college career?
Furness: I would like to get my master's degree in international business back in Europe. I have the British citizenship due to my dad being from England. I would love to go live closer to my dad’s side of the family and continue playing college tennis in the UK.
Q: Is there anything you want people to know more about you, outside of playing tennis?
Furness: I love dancing, I am dancing all the time, at practice, in the van, at home.... If there is music, I can dance anywhere.
