Northwestern University Athletics
Meet the 'Cats: Brooke Rischbieth
4/14/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
NUSports.com brings you an interview with a member of the Northwestern women's tennis team to allow fans a chance to get to know the individuals who make up the 16-time defending Big Ten champion Northwestern Wildcats.
EVANSTON, Ill. -- This week's Meet the `Cats feature focuses on sophomore Brooke Rischbieth. The native Australian has been a consistent force in doubles play for Northwestern during her first two seasons and has had a strong singles showing this season.
Rischbieth boasts a career doubles record of 46-20 in fewer than two full seasons of action. She is 20-13 this season while primarily playing with Rheeya Doshi at No. 2. A season ago, Rischbieth was 26-7 in doubles play with a perfect 7-0 conference mark and a combined 13-3 record in dual matches between the second and third positions.
"Brooke's exciting doubles style of play gives the crowd much to applaud," head coach Claire Pollard said. "But it gives her coaches a few grey hairs from time to time."
2015 marks the first year that the Northwestern sophomore has played singles for a full season. She is currently 14-13 overall with a 4-2 record in the Big Ten, while playing at No. 6. She has won six of her last eight matches to help solidify the Wildcats lineup as the team heads toward postseason play.
"She brings a classic game to the team," Pollard said. "She has an all-court game with great craft and feel for the net. She is a fierce competitor."
Q: Describe your recruiting process and how you ended up playing at Northwestern.
A: One of Claire's coaching friends saw me play in Australia in 2012, and as soon as I spoke on the phone with Claire I was excited about the prospect of playing for her program. I was not sure whether I wanted to attend college in America or remain in Australia, but when my plane was leaving Chicago after my official visit to Northwestern, I knew I wanted to stay.
Q: What advice do you have for kids wanting to play college tennis?
A: Keep a balance. It is important not to put all your eggs in one basket. Work hard at your tennis and academics because they both open up wonderful opportunities later in life.
Q: What is the greatest life lesson you have learned so far?
A: My dad always used to tell my brother and I that, "The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary." I think this is true for whatever you seek to achieve in life and is a good lesson to live by. One of the best messages I was taught as a child was to try everything and embrace every new opportunity. Playing tennis has opened up so many exciting possibilities for me as an athlete and a person.
Q: What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far?
A: Winning Junior World Cup in Mexico in 2011 as a 15-year-old. I will never forget lifting the trophy with my teammates when we were crowned World Champions. It is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced.
Q: What is your favorite class at Northwestern?
A: My freshman seminar was Chemistry. I actually signed up for the class by accident, and I was terrified but looking back it was the most interesting and enjoyable class I have had throughout my schooling.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: Tennis player, but if that doesn't work out, I want to go into business. I would love to have a prominent position in a big company someday.
Q: If you could dine with anyone from any period in history, who would you choose and why?
A: Sir David Attenborough. I absolutely adore his documentaries and his incredible career has accurately portrayed the diversity of life on our planet. His voice is so cool, and I love listening to his commentary.
Q: Who did you pretend to be when playing as a kid?
A: My brother and I were backyard cricket stars. We would pretend we were playing for the Australian team in the current match. It was always very competitive, especially when the Ashes Series (Australia vs. England) was on.
Q: What is your favorite place to visit?
A: Kangaroo Island. I have been fortunate to visit many different countries around the world, but there is no place like home. I love falling asleep listening to the waves and spending my days outside on the sand and in the sea.
Q: Describe your pregame ritual.
A: I really like to make sure I have enough sleep before a match. Nine hours is ideal. The morning of a match I take extra care to look after and fuel my body with the right food and lots of water.
Q: What talent could you showcase in a talent show?
A: Sadly, I was voted the worst singer on the team, so not that! But I still love to sing and dance as much as possible.
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
A: I have always loved Roger Federer. In my opinion, he is the greatest tennis player of all-time because his demeanor on-court reflects what a true competitor and champion he is. I think his commitment and love for the sport have done amazing things for the tennis world. Another admirable trait that Federer possesses is his ability to remain incredibly humble and down to earth, regardless of his incredible achievements.
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