NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Vanderbilt women’s tennis freshman Dasha Kourkina has arrived on West End from Brooklyn, New York.
Joining the Commodores as a blue-chip recruit, Kourkina, a highly-decorated junior performer, was ranked as high as 14th during her prep career. Kourkina earned the 2017 Evert ITF and Plantation ITF Doubles title and advanced to the semifinals in singles play.
Competing in the Winter Nationals 16s, the Brooklyn native claimed the doubles title and competed in the singles finals. In the Easter Bowl 16s, Kourkina secured fourth before coming to Vanderbilt.
Earning a strong start to her first collegiate season, Kourkina picked up her first Commodore victory as she competed in Vanderbilt’s first tournament of the fall season in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Kourkina looks to maintain her successful collegiate campaign as the team travels to Greenville, South Carolina, to battle in the Debbie Southern Fall Classic on Friday.
On why she chose Vanderbilt …
“I chose to attend the university due to its great balance between athletics and academics.”
Favorite aspect of Nashville …
“The music, and how there is always something going on.”
The thing that impresses her most about Coach Macdonald and Coach Tsoubanos …
“Their coaching style and how they are able to develop players to reach their full potential.”
A few words to describe the way she competes …
“I never give up and try to get every shot I can.”
Bucket list includes …
“Skydiving, visiting Australia, and playing in a grand slam.”
Favorite thing to do away from the tennis court …
“Spend time with friends.”
Best non-athletic talent …
“I am very good with numbers and math.”
Pre-match superstition …
“Texting my mom ‘I’m going on’ before I take the court.”
Person she would love to trade places with for a day …
“Rodger Federer.”
Person she admires most …
“My mom.”
Career goal …
“Earn a spot in the WTA Top 100.”
Interesting fact …
“I traveled alone to Mexico to do a commercial for ESPN with Josh Groban.”
Advice to younger aspiring athletes …
“Always put effort into everything you do and don’t worry about the future too much.”
Best advice she has ever received …
“Focus on the process, not the outcome.”
