Name: Liz Winokur
Sport: Women’s tennis
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
High School: Cardinal Newman
School/Year: COL ’08
Major: Philosophy
Minor: Cognitive science
HS Highlights: 2001-2004: Varsity tennis team, Conference Champion, all-Conference first team, all-District first team; 2002-03: team MVP; 2001, 2004: State runner-up.
GU Highlights: 2004: First-ranked singles player for Georgetown, semi-finalist at Hampton Roads Collegiate Tennis Invitational, finalist at DC-Metro tournament, Big East Scholar-Athlete, Intercollegiate Tennis Association Academic all-American
When did you first start playing tennis? I started when I was eight. Tournaments when I was 10. I quit a couple of times for periods of a couple of months to a year. Either it was too much pressure or I was just really frustrated with the sport, or I injured myself or I wanted to play other sports. At Georgetown, I have broken my leg and I had mono. In high school I broke my foot.
What has been your most memorable tennis moment? Last year when [former-Head Coach Rich Bausch] told me I would play No. 1 [first singles]. It was completely unexpected and very exciting.
Who on the team do you rely on the most? I guess Steph Cohen (COL ’08) and Adriann Gin (COL ’08). They’re in my grade, so I feel like we have a special bond, but I think I could rely on anyone. Our whole team is pretty tight.
Who’s your biggest rival? If I had to pick a rival within the team I would say Steph. She has played No. 1 when I have been out, so it is a back and forth thing. As far as other schools go, it would be awesome for us to beat Maryland, but we haven’t and they are really good. However, we all had pretty close matches against them which was nice, even though we all still lost.
Any superstitions? No, I am not superstitious.
How did you feel the team did without you this fall season and last spring? In the spring, they did surprisingly well because we had a lot of setbacks, like Liora [Gelblum (SFS ’05)] being kicked off the team [for missing ten days of the Spring 2005 season for a fellowship]. It was probably disheartening for them when I got sick. The fall is individual competitions. My absence didn’t affect them because there weren’t any dual matches.
If you could be great at any other sport or event besides tennis, what would it be? Probably volleyball. The serves are similar. I played a lot of volleyball when I quit tennis in eighth grade and freshmen year of high school.
What was the last song you heard on your iPod? Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”.
What do you like to do when you are not playing tennis? Sleep. Sleep and go out; eat and think.
What is the last book you bought for fun? Possibly “The DaVinci Code”. When I read for fun, I read books that I find lying around the house so it has been a while since I have bought one.
The one thing you miss the most about home? The weather and beach. I’m from Florida so it really warm year round. I miss being able to walk in a bathing suit any day of the year. I miss the casual laid back style. Also my parents, friends, and dog [Jack].
Best childhood memory? My best friend Megan Bulfin and I used to battle over chicken nuggets according to how round they were. One time I saw that she had a perfectly round one which was golden. So I stole it from her, and my mom told me to give it back. I thought about it, and then I just ate it. I felt so bad because my friend started crying, and she wanted it so much.
Most prized possession? Probably my awesome sweatpants. I barely take them off. They come with me everywhere. They have become a part of me.
Most embarrassing moment? A recent one, I was walking through Walsh and there was this girl sitting on a bench eating. I thought she was Steph [Cohen], so took my racquet and pretended to hit her in the face with it. Then I realized she wasn’t Steph. It was pretty embarrassing. She was terrified.
Favorite professional tennis player? I don’t have a favorite.
What’s one word people use to describe you? Laid back. Actually, passive.
What one word would your tennis partner (Cohen) use to describe you? Passive. We recently had this discussion.
What is your worst habit? Leaving my key floating around in my backpack instead of putting it on a keychain. Losing things in general, especially my GoCard and room key.
Freshman dorm? Darnall. Whoever sees this is going to be angry. One time, I came back late at night and was starving. I was counting on the vending machine for food, but it wasn’t working. I went to common room looking for food. This is really low, and I apologize to whosever Chinese food it was, but I found some Chinese food. It was absolutely delicious. There was a sign on it that said do not eat. I am so sorry. I didn’t know whose it was, or I would have paid for it, I grabbed it, ran back to my room, ate it. E-mail me . and I’ll buy you some Chinese food.
The worst job you have ever had? I taught tennis once during summer and there were a bunch if screaming kids whose parents forced them to play tennis. I had to deal with all of their dramatic little fights.
Favorite Georgetown Restaurant? The Alamo [Grill].
Biggest pet peeve? When people are unnecessarily loud and fake.
Favorite TV show? “24.” I’ve been missing it for tennis and I haven’t really been following it lately. I don’t really understand what is going on right now.
Favorite Movie? “American Beauty.” It’s disturbing.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where it would it be? I’d want to visit Antarctica because so few people do. I mean, what can you do in Antarctica? Go, and leave and say that you went?
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? “Oh, Liz.”
Who in your life has inspires you the most? I would say my friend Megan because she had terrible things happen to her family and she keeps on going like nothing happened. I admire her.
Any advice for people who want to join tennis? Be prepared for commitment. It is so time consuming, you have to want to do it. You have to like the sport. But it is also very rewarding.
What is your biggest goal for this year’s women’s tennis team? Just to work on things and try to stay motivated, and really get ready for next year.
Booey’s or Wisey’s? I am going to go with Booey’s, they’ve got frozen yogurt.
