Freshman Sportlight: Women’s Tennis

By Brady Busha

Lilly Endsley is a freshman on the women’s tennis team. She holds a 4-4 record as a singles competitor and most recently played a large role in Lawrence’s 6-3 win over Marian, where Endsley had a 6-1 victory in her singles match.

 

Where are you from? What drew you to Lawrence?

I am from Rockford, Illinois. I came to Lawrence because I wanted to go to a small school. The fact that it is such a good liberal arts school and that everyone is so nice is what drew me here.

 

How did you start playing tennis? What do you like most about it?

I started playing when I was six, because my brother started playing, and I wanted to be better than him. It’s a stress reliever. It’s nice to go on the court and just relieve my stress about everything, and smack the ball as hard as I can.

 

Given your skillset, what do you hope to bring to the team this year?

Wins.

 

What’s one thing you’re really looking forward to this year?

Not to be a nerd, but I am really looking forward to this education. You get so much from this school, and I’m excited to soak it all in.

 

What has your athletic career here at Lawrence taught you about being academically successful as well?

It helps me to manage my time. I think all athletes really understand how much time they need to put into studying, and how to schedule that to be the most successful they can be.

 

How have your teammates helped you with your transition into the life of a collegiate student-athlete?

They’re all my friends, so it’s easy to find study partners. Coming into the school with people you already know is really nice, so I’m not a scared little freshman.

 

If you had one wish, what would you wish, and why?

I wish that people as a whole would not have to worry about money. Not having to worry about your job, being able to do what you want, and money not being such a big factor; it holds everybody back.