The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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20 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK NC State senior Elisha Hande was named one of eight recipients in the country to get recognized for the Haier Achievement Award, which is presented to student-ath- letes for their accomplishments beyond sports. Haier will donate $2,000 to the NC State general scholarship fund and also a 48-inch LED HD television to the athletic depart- ment. Hande, who is a three-year letterwinner, is set to graduate in May. She has a 4.0 grade-point average with a major in eco- nomics and minor in German. She also was a finalist for the 2014 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Award, and received the ACC community service award in 2012 and 2013. Hande has gone 41-48 in singles matches and 34-39 in double action at NC State. She and fellow senior Nicole Martinez went 4-5 at No. 1 doubles last year, and she had eight singles victories in dual matches. The Cheltenham, England, native re- cently took some time to talk with The Wolf- packer and answer some questions about her off-the-court success and the upcoming women's tennis season. What was your reaction to being a recipient of the 2014 Haier Achievement Award? "I was surprised. It's not just a reward for me, but I've just taken advantage of the opportunities NC State has given me. The tennis team has been hosting the Winter Chill Special Olympics tennis tournament for maybe three, four years before I came. I had the chance to be the liaison between the organization and our team at NC State. I took on that role for two or three years. "We have a big role in interacting with the players and umpiring their matches. It's a big highlight to them to hang out with us and learn from us. They are really passionate about tennis and they love tennis. It's very worthwhile and enjoyable. "I've also been a mentor at A.B. Combs Elementary School [in Raleigh]. I go in every week and meet with two or three kids. I try to be a positive influence and it's rewarding for myself." What has it been like to get to know past senior doubles partner Nicole Martinez of Ecuador, and other teammates from different countries? "I love the fact that our team is so multi-national [six of 10 members are from foreign countries]. Nicole and Sophie Nelson [of Southampton, England] are seniors with me, and they are two of my best friends and we live together. I love learning about different people and cultures. We are a really close-knit group. "Nicole and I definitely relate as being international. The same things we struggle with. I just love playing doubles with her. She is very fiery on the court and very passion - ate. I've learned from playing doubles with her and being on the team with her." How would you describe your playing style? "I play all court. My serve is probably my best shot and I use that as a weapon. I come to the net, too. I use my height [5-10] and try and play aggressively." What are you working on for the start of the spring season Jan. 31? "The first semester, we've been really working on get - ting a really solid foundation in our games. Every day, we can still play at a high level and have a foundation that we can build off. "We are working on fitness. I can do bigger shots and last longer in matches, and my stamina can be more consistent." What are your long-term plans with your eco- nomics major? "I'd like to do international economic development. Short-term, I'd like to do technology consulting. I'd like to combine knowledge of business, technology and eco- nomics to help communities whether here or in less- developed communities. "I graduate in May and I have a job in Washington, D.C., so I'll be staying [in the U.S.] for a while. It is with Deloitte Consulting. I've just been focusing on tennis for my last year because work will go on forever." What was the recruiting process like for you? "I started the process really late. There are a lot of Brit- ish players in the U.S. I took a year off of school, and dur- ing that year is when I decided that I would like to come. I came over on a visit in March I think it was, so pretty late. I loved my visit and the girls on the team. "It was a well-rounded experience with the sport and academics, and it was a great location. I never regretted it for a second. I had offers from Penn State, Texas Tech, Iowa and Marshall." What was the biggest adjustment coming to Raleigh? "Initially, it was looking the right way when I crossed roads. I just had to get used to campus and I didn't have a car. It was big just being away from home, I guess." What do you consider the major things for tourists to do when traveling to London, England? "One of the main attractions is the Tower of London. The last couple of months, they've had this huge poppies [888,246 ceramic poppies] display all over the outside of the tower in commemoration of World War veterans. "It's beautiful and a lot to do. You also have to go to a pub. You have to get the real English pub experience." Who inspires you? "All my teammates really inspire me, especially Nicole. She has been through a lot this year with her hip. She re - ally fights on the court. "All the girls have put in so much work and effort the last four years. It really makes me want to work and practice." — Jacey Zembal Hande, who is from Cheltenham, England, is set to graduate in May, with a major in economics and a minor in German. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS Getting To Know: Elisha Hande ■ Women's Tennis Quick Questions What was it like to go to a high school founded in 1574 at Pate's Grammar School? That's pretty normal in England. It's not something I thought about. The building at my school was not old. My brother and sister go to another school and you can tell it's old. When I go back to Europe and my hometown, I now realize how old everything is. How big is the Cheltenham Racecourse event in your hometown? I actually have never been to the races. Again, something I took for granted. It's pretty big. Were you into croquet growing up? Where I grew up, it's right next to a croquet place, and they have a world croquet championships there, literally down the road from where I lived. I've never played croquet in my life. Were you into Wimbledon growing up? Yes, I love Wimbledon. I went like five years in a row at one point. It's just so fun. Finals would be fun, but I like walking around looking at different matches. Do you have a favorite English actor or actress? The guy who played the main character Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie, his name is David Suchet. The way he plays that character is perfect. What is your favorite restaurant in your hometown? I don't eat out much. There is a place called the Bar & Wok. It's quick and big portions. … I eat there with my family. Do you have a favorite member of the royal family? The Queen. She is strong. She is cool as a cucumber. I like her. Favorite athlete to watch at NC State? Men's soccer goalie Alex McCauley. Favorite win in singles or doubles at NC State? It was senior day, not last year, but the year before [April 21, 2013], and we played Georgia Tech. Nicole Martinez and I won No. 2 doubles [8-5], and I won at singles too [No. 6 singles 6-0, 6-3]. It was a great atmosphere. I played my best for the seniors that day. Favorite class at NC State? This will be re - ally random. I'm taking a random requirement, linguistic anthropology. I'm taking it online and it's really interesting.