Student-Athlete of the Week - Manuela Velasquez - University of Louisville Athletic

April 17, 2012

Post-collegiate Ambition: Go on Survivor

People with Greatest Influence on Athletic Career: My coach Carlos and my dad

Biggest Thrill in Sports: Winning my first national open

Athlete You Most Admire: Serena Williams

What Impresses You Most About Your Coach: His belief & dedication to his players

What Has Been Your Biggest Obstacle to Overcome: Coming back to tennis after two surgeries

Hobbies and Outside Interests: Baking, crafts, and my dog

Competition Superstitions: Must use same hair tie

Favorite Professional Teams: New York Jets & New York Knicks

Favorite Movie: Anything with Leonardo DiCaprio

Favorite TV Show: Survivor

Favorite Food: Columbian food

Favorite Musical Group: Backstreet Boys

Favorite Book: The Kite Runner

Favorite Professor: Jacqueline Thompson

"Stupid Human Trick" I Can Do: Burp on command

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Muddy's Bake Shop owner/founder

Best Advice I Have Gotten in Sports: Hit the ball

Words That Best Describes Me: Hungry, sleepy, and funny

What People Should Know About Me but Probably Don't: I'm not as slow as I may seem

If They Made a Movie of Your Life, Who Would Star in it and What Would It Be Called: Eva Mendes and Woman vs. Food

If You Could Have Dinner With Three People, Who Would It Be? Serena Williams, my grandpa, and Adele

Why I Chose UofL: Great coaches, team, and facilities

Best Part of Being a Student-Athlete: The gear and free education

If I Won the Lottery, I Would Use the Money For: My family, travel, and animal shelters

Moment You Realized You Were Really Good at Your Sport: After winning my first national open

Strangest Thing That Ever Happened to Me While Competing: My racquet broke in half after hitting a shot

What Is Your Favorite Place You Have Ever Visited: Cali, Columbia

Favorite Seasons: Autumn & Winter

University of Louisville Athletics