The Women's Tennis team is off to a hot start this season, continuing to rebound from an early exit in the Big West Championships in 2018. Before Spring play kicks off, we'll highlight some of the players leading the way for the Anteaters.

One of the newcomers to the team, Jessica Tsukiji looks to make a huge impact in her first season with the Anteaters. Before the season gets underway, she shares how she got here and what she loves to do in her time off of the courts.
 
Cat Woman
I'm probably the biggest cat person you will ever meet. My love for cats is a little obsessive, but in a healthy way. I have three cats and their names are Sammy, Kamu, and Zoey. Anyone who knows me knows that I love them more than anything in this world.
 
Dad Knows Best
Someone who I look up to a lot is my dad. He was my tennis coach from when I first picked up a racket at age 4 to when I came to Irvine this fall. He has shaped me as a tennis player, but more importantly as a person. Throughout my life he has always been the voice of reason and the one to put things into perspective when things aren't going right. He always emphasized positivity, staying humble, being disciplined, and having a good work ethic. Those are values that he has instilled in me and with which I hope to carry with me throughout my college career.
 
Love for the Warriors
I love to watch basketball. I am from the Bay Area so I grew up watching the Golden State Warriors. My favorite player is Stephen Curry and I have a whole wall in my room dedicated to him and the Warriors. Basketball season was always fun at my house because my whole family would watch every game together and bond while screaming at the TV.
 
What's in the Oven?
Baking is one of my favorite things to do in my free time. I'm always watching baking videos on Instagram or looking up recipes on Pinterest to try out. I have a big sweet tooth so most of the time I make things and give it to other people so I don't eat it all myself. Living in the dorms, I don't really have the opportunity to bake, so I'm excited to have an apartment next year so I can bake for my friends and teammates!
 
Island Ties
I was born in Hilo, Hawaii and moved to California when I was seven. I still have a lot of family there and I love going back to visit and see everyone!