Colorado State University Athletics

<blank>

Rams Q&A with Lauren Strasburger

2/12/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis

Feb. 12, 2009

By Mackenzie Altman
Athletic Media Relations

Senior Lauren Strasburger will be leading the Rams into the 2009 season with a strong drive to succeed both individually and as a team.

Strasburger ended the 2008 fall season with an overall 6-2 singles record. At the Wyoming Invitational, she defeated teammate Laura Neal to win the gold singles flight bracket, 8-4. Due to a back injury, Strasburger was not able to compete at the Air Force Invitational or ITA Central Region Championships.

The senior took some time to discuss individual and team goals for the upcoming season as well as other topics.

Strasburger, 21, is from Fort Lauderdale, Fla. After winning the state championship her sophomore year at Brentwood (Tenn.) High School and ranking 15th in the southern region, she came to Colorado State her freshman year. Throughout her collegiate career she has continued to make an impact on the program.

Q: How does this year&rsquo;s team compare with last year?
A: I think we are a lot stronger as a team. Everybody on the team is more competitive and has the drive to win.

Q: What is your hope for the team this season?
A: I hope that we get a national ranking, beat DU (Denver University) and finish in one of the top four spots in the Mountain West Conference.

Q: What are your individual goals for this season?
A: Well as of right now, I just hope I can play. I injured my back during fall season but my goals are to be nationally ranked both in singles and doubles.

Q: How do you feel about the team&rsquo;s performance, and your peformance individually, in the fall season?
A: Well, in all the four years that I have been here, I would say that this year&rsquo;s preseason was the best showing we have had. Individually, I thought I did very well especially in the one tournament. But because of my back, I could not compete in the last two.

Q: What is a personal goal for you this season?
A: To keep shooting the ball, that&rsquo;s my job and that&rsquo;s what my team needs from me, also to work on my defense.

Q: Who did you look up to as a tennis player?
A: Justine Henin and Andre Agassi. I just like how Andre plays, he&rsquo;s so calm, or, well, he is now. I just like how he plays. I like Justine because she is one of the smaller females but still hangs in with everyone.

Q: What is something about you that many fans do not know?
A: What a random question. I guess you could say that I eat a lot. I eat more than my brothers, Brendan and Johnny, who are 26 and 23. I really like steak.

Sunday, March 31
Sunday, March 03
Monday, April 23
Friday, April 20