Stark: An ace on the hard court

Daily Egyptian: What's your personality like on the court?

Kari Stark: I'm pretty intense and serious. I'm very competitive, but I love the sport and I try to have as much fun as possible.

DE: How about off the court?

KS: I am pretty relaxed. I don't know how I am. I'm pretty relaxed, I guess.

DE: What got you into tennis?

KS: My mom put me into a camp at 8 or 9 years old and I liked the sport. I started practicing pretty regularly and have been into it ever since.

DE: Why did you choose to come to SIU?

KS: I signed a letter of intent to go somewhere else. Then I came here and I really liked the coach and the team and I liked the campus and that's why I decided to come here.

DE: What are the differences between Wichita and Carbondale?

KS: Wichita is quite a bit bigger, believe it or not. It's just a lot bigger. The people are the same. It's kind of laid back. Wichita is more geared toward family, I guess.

DE: What is pre-game preparation like for you?

KS: I try to focus on what I have to do to win the match and try not to let myself get too nervous. A lot of times I'll talk to one of the girls on the team, Tana [Trapani]. I'll talk to Tana a lot and ask her questions and she'll help me get prepared for a match.

DE: What's sorority life like?

KS: It keeps me busy. I try to get involved in a lot of things. That's why I got involved in a sorority. It's another way for me to get involved in the campus. I enjoy it. It's hectic sometimes, but I enjoy it.

DE: What happened with the team last year?

KS: Last year we just had some problems last year with injuries. I think we did the best with what we had. We really came together as a team last year.

DE: What do you expect of the team this year?

KS: I expect good things. We have a brand new team. Everyone seems really enthusiastic and energetic and there is a good team atmosphere this year.

DE: What are you hoping to do with your journalism degree after graduation?

KS: I actually just changed my major to marketing, but I'm still going to pursue journalism as well. I'm not exactly sure yet. I would love to someday ... I don't have any idea what I'm going to do with it. (laughs.)

DE: Do you have a sports idol?

KS: I really like Jennifer Capriati. She was at the top, hit a low point in her life, and was able to get back to the top again. I like her a lot.

DE: Do you have a favorite place to hang out in Carbondale?

KS: I hang out a lot with my friends in the dorms at Baldwin.

DE: Now for some short-answer questions. Favorite television show?

KS: "Seinfeld."

DE: Last DVD you bought?

KS: "A Bug's Life."

DE: Last CD you bought?

KS: Red Hot Chili Peppers.

DE: Favorite movie?

KS: "Office Space."

DE: Favorite band?

KS: Dave Matthews Band.

DE: Favorite book?

KS: "Empire Falls."

Reporter Christopher Morrical can be reached at cmorrical@dailyegyptian.com