Serena Lewis: What is your name?
Ravid Hazi: Ravid Hazi
SL: Where are you from?
RH: Israel
SL: How old are you? What year are you at UA?
RH: I am 21 years old, turning 22 in a month, and a junior at the UofA
SL:What's your major?
RH: I am a finance major
SL: When and why did you come to the U.S.? Why did you choose UA?
RH: I came to the UofA two years ago in January 2007. The main reason why I came to the UofA is because I got a tennis scholarship and I really like the tennis coach. It was kind of hard for me to know much about any school in the U.S. while I was in Israel, I was in the army at the time I was looking for colleges. So I pretty much knew nothing about the UofA other than that there is warm weather, which is what I was looking for, and that the head coach offered me a good scholarship. However, I bless the day I chose UofA over other schools for 1000 of reasons. I like the University a lot, the athletic department, the tennis coaches and the players, Eller college [UofA business school], the people in the University and in Tucson in general, and more...
SL:When and why did you start playing tennis?
RH: I started playing tennis when i was 7 years old. The coach in my city visited my 2nd grade class and recommended playing tennis in his club. I tried it, liked it, apparently I was pretty good at it. So i started playing competitively since I was about 8 or 9 years old and ranked #1 in Israel for all junior ages.
SL: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what?
RH: Before matches today, I don't have any superstitious things that I am doing, just trying to get myself both physically and mentally ready for the match. I do a good warm up, then depending on my anxiety level, I either pump myself up or find a corner to relax and focus.
SL: What is your proudest or most memorable moment in your athletic career?
RH: As a tennis player, I won the Israeli Championship a couple times, won bronze medal in the European Championship for doubles and made it to the semi-finals in professional event. However, the event that made me most proud is the opportunity to get a scholarship and represent the UofA tennis team while pursuing my degree.
SL:What are your goals for the season?
RH: To give my 100 percent day in and day out and contribute the maximum I can give to the team. I think if I focus on that, the other players can do the same, and if everyone will bring his full talent and ability to the table, outcomes like making the NCAA tournament and doing well in the tournament will be easily reachable.
SL: What is the biggest difference playing in the U.S. vs. playing in your hometown?
RH: Two main things are different playing n the U.S. rather than playing at home. First is the fact that I am playing in a team, which in Israel I always represented myself as an individual or my country but as an individual. It took me a little while to adjust but once I did, I think it is a lot more fun and rewarding. Second, the kind of pressure I feel is different. In Israel, the pressure I face was mainly playing in front of people that are close to me like my family or my friends, plus I knew all my competitors which are good friends of mine outside the court. Playing on the UofA tennis team, the pressure I feel is the desire to win for the team and for the coaches and representing the University in general. I think it is a positive pressure and adds a lot more fun and competitiveness into every dual match we play.
SL:Before you came to the U.S., what did you think it would be like? Have your views changed since?
RH: Before coming to the U.S., I didn't really know what to expect. I was worried that I will struggle with my English but other than that I was really excited to see what is it going to be. I think going to college is the best thing that ever happened to me. I remember how impressed I was when I saw the campus. I was impressed how professional people take care of business mainly in the athletic department and the tennis team, but in the University in general. I don't know if I changed since coming to college, but I definitely grow and keep growing as a person from this experience.
SL:What do you like or not like about Tucson and the Southwest?
RH: I can't really point anything I dislike about Tucson or the Southwest because I truly like and appreciate where I am right now and won't switch it for anything. Of course places like Southern California or New York are more appealing than Tucson, but being a college student in the UofA is one of the best places.
SL: Okay enough with the serious questions, time for the fun ones. What is your favorite sports team?
RH: I really cheer for the UofA and Arizona teams in general, so I am really excited that the Cardinals WILL win the Superbowl. Outside Arizona, the Lakers are my favorite.
SL: What is your favorite food?
RH: Strawberries with whipped cream and my moms food which I try to imitate but she is a lot better!
SL: What are your hobbies besides tennis?
RH: I like to go out and hang out, movies, books, music, travel and visit new places.
SL:What is your idea of the perfect first date?
RH: I think a nice quiet restaurant that gives a chance to talk and get to know each other is nice for a first date. Keep it short and sweet for a taste of more. All the romantic tricks can be pulled out after the first date.
After being rained out on Friday, the tennis team was able to take to the courts and defeat Nevada today, winning the match 6-1. Ravid and teammate Jay Goldman teamed up for doubles and won the match 8-3. The Cats next match will be the National Spring Kick-off in Gainesville, Florida where they will take on Florida on January 30th. For a full schedule, check out the Arizona Athletics website. And to see more on Ravid, click here.
That wraps it up for this week. Check back next week for another update. Until then, Bear Down!
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