Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A With Pascale Schnitzer
3/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
March 25, 2005
East Lansing, Mich. - Sophomore Pascale Schnitzer (Santiago, Chilé) has improved by leaps and bounds in her time at Michigan State. She battled her way to the No. 3 singles position despite language barriers and constantly proves why she deserves to be near the top of the lineup. Schnitzer put in strong performances for her team in the Wolverine Invitational in early October and already has key wins this spring season against Bowling Green and Ball State, helping her team to important victories.
Q: How did you hear about and choose MSU from Chilé?
A: I have an aunt that lives in Ann Arbor, so when I decided to come to the U.S. to study, I thought it would be better to be close to a relative. I contacted a lot of universities around the area, and when I talked to Tim Bauer, we got along well. From there the decision was easy.
Q: What first got you interested in tennis?
A: When I was really young my father wanted me to play tennis, so I began to play with my father, and I loved it.
Q: Is it hard to be so far from home?
A: It's always hard being far from home, but I'm here because I really like to play tennis and I wanted to have the opportunity to study and play tennis, so it's worth it.
Q: What do you miss the most about your culture while you are here in East Lansing?
A: I miss the food because I don't really know how to cook, so I can only get it when I go home. I miss the music, too.
Q: Was there any kind of language barrier when you got to the U.S. or were you fluent in English before arriving in East Lansing?
A: The first two weeks of classes, I didn't understand anything. After a couple of months I understood things a lot better. I walked around with my English dictionary, and I studied more from textbooks because it was easier for me to read and look up words that I didn't understand.
Q: Do you have the opportunity to go home often?
A: I go home twice a year - once for winter break and once for summer break. I spend time with my family and friends.
Q: Do you prefer to play singles, doubles or do you not have a preference?
A: I think doubles is more fun, but I've always played singles more. It's fun to play with someone, but I just like to play.
Q: Do you have any special preparations for a tennis match?
A: We have a very strict routine; we get together two hours before a match and we all stretch and warm up together. Other than that there isn't anything special that I do.
Q: What is one of the biggest things you've learned from Tim Bauer in your time at MSU?
A: I've learned a lot about doubles. I've learned discipline - that's one of the main things, because when I used to practice at home, I didn't have very good discipline so I missed a lot of little details that make a big difference in tennis.
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