“The thing that I like most about playing tennis is that it is fun but a lot of hard work, a great stress reliever, and is a sport that I can play forever,” said sophomore women’s tennis player Megan Zumbahlen.

Zumbahlen comes to Springfield from Effingham, Ill. and is the daughter of Michael and Carol Zumbahlen. Zumbahlen has been playing tennis since she was 9-years-old and played all four years of her high school career at St. Anthony High School. While at St. Anthony she made it to state all four years; once in doubles and three times in singles.

One of Zumbahlen’s favorite memories of playing tennis is when she played in high school. “My favorite memory of playing tennis is being undefeated in dual matches in high school and making All-State Honorable Mention in doubles and 3rd Team All-State in doubles,” Zumbahlen said.

After graduating high school, Zumbahlen decided to attend UIS as a communication major as well as play for the women’s tennis team. “The reason that I decided to come play tennis at UIS is because I was glad that I would be able to compete all of the time, whereas if I went to a different school, I might not be given the chance to play as much. Also because Manny is a great coach and an amazing guy,” she said.

Last year Zumbahlen did well for her freshman year. She had six wins and was third on the team in singles and had eight wins in doubles with Brooke Tweedy. They had the second most wins on the team. Zumbahlen was also named to the UIS Athletic Director’s Academic Honor Roll for both semesters.

Since her freshman year, Zumbahlen has switched majors and is now studying business administration. After graduating from college, Zumbahlen plans to use her degree to start her own business or go into music business/management.

Some of Zumbahlen’s favorite professional tennis athletes include Roger Federer and Rafael Nadel. She likes Federer because, “He is simply amazing and always keeps calm while on the court.” And she likes Nadel because of how intense he plays and fights for every point.

Zumbahlen’s greatest inspiration comes not from professional athletes, but rather someone much closer to home. “My dad has been my biggest inspiration because when growing up, he would play tennis with me every day, would take me to all of my tournaments, and continually supports me.”

Zumbahlen and the rest of the UIS women’s tennis team have three more matches remaining in the regular season before the GLVC championship.