S.A.A.C Senior Spotlight: Graciela Rosas
3/4/2019 9:30:00 AM | Student-Athlete Support Services
Get to know Women's Tennis senior Graciela Rosas
The SAAC Student-Athlete Spotlight is a weekly series that will highlight and promote senior Zag student-athletes on and off the playing field. This week's student athlete is Graciela Rosas from the women's tennis team.
Throughout her first three years, Grace was named WCC doubles team of the week three times and has earned All-WCC First Team Doubles both her sophomore and junior years. She was also ranked No. 10 in the region in doubles her sophomore year and No. 19 in the nation in the fall.
On the academic side, she received a WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention both her sophomore and junior year. She has also made the Dean's List twice and President's List once throughout her college career. Grace is a Sports Management major with a minor in Promotions. She currently holds a 3.5 GPA in her respective major. Grace is also in her third year on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and interns in the Gonzaga Athletics Marketing and Promotions department.
We caught up with the senior from Mexicali, Mexico, to gain some insight on her experience as a student-athlete at Gonzaga.
What is your favorite memory as a Zag?
Going on a hike in Hawaii with my teammates and beating BYU for the first time in school history.
What does it mean to be a Zag?
To be kind, to lead by example, and to help others through times of adversity.
What are you hoping to do with your degree post-graduation?
Open my own tennis academy.
Favorite Sports Team?
Oakland Raiders.
Favorite musical artist?
J Balvin.
Favorite food?
Thai food.
If you could go on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Japan to learn more about their culture.
What attracted you to Gonzaga?
The welcoming community and tennis program.
Favorite community service event at Gonzaga?
Spending time at a retirement home with elderly people with dementia.
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
Being part of a community of student-athletes that support each other and the amazing staff that cares about each and every one of us.
What do you enjoy most about playing this sport?
The adrenaline I feel before a match. Just like any other sport, I always play against different players and so I need to have a different strategy for every player. Also, competing with my teammates next to me is what makes college tennis very fun and special.
Do you have any pre-game/match rituals?
Putting my water bottle in a certain spot before and after I drink it. It really bothers me when it's not on the spot I want it to be, or when people move it.
Who is your role model and why?
God because he is kind, forgiving, and always listening.
A favorite quote you live by:
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
What were your first thoughts/feelings/emotions when competing as a Division I athlete for your first time?
I was excited, nervous, and curious for what was coming.
How has being an athlete helped you in the classroom?
It has helped me understand that it is important to engage, participate, and make friends during any class.
What would you say is the hardest part of your sport?
Staying mentally and physically tough throughout the entire match.
What is the biggest challenge as a student-athlete?
Balancing athletics and academics while traveling and playing.
What advice do you have for prospective Gonzaga student-athletes?
Enjoy every single day because it goes by fast, give your all in every practice, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
Throughout her first three years, Grace was named WCC doubles team of the week three times and has earned All-WCC First Team Doubles both her sophomore and junior years. She was also ranked No. 10 in the region in doubles her sophomore year and No. 19 in the nation in the fall.
On the academic side, she received a WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention both her sophomore and junior year. She has also made the Dean's List twice and President's List once throughout her college career. Grace is a Sports Management major with a minor in Promotions. She currently holds a 3.5 GPA in her respective major. Grace is also in her third year on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and interns in the Gonzaga Athletics Marketing and Promotions department.
We caught up with the senior from Mexicali, Mexico, to gain some insight on her experience as a student-athlete at Gonzaga.
What is your favorite memory as a Zag?
Going on a hike in Hawaii with my teammates and beating BYU for the first time in school history.
What does it mean to be a Zag?
To be kind, to lead by example, and to help others through times of adversity.
What are you hoping to do with your degree post-graduation?
Open my own tennis academy.
Favorite Sports Team?
Oakland Raiders.
Favorite musical artist?
J Balvin.
Favorite food?
Thai food.
If you could go on a vacation, where would you go and why?
Japan to learn more about their culture.
What attracted you to Gonzaga?
The welcoming community and tennis program.
Favorite community service event at Gonzaga?
Spending time at a retirement home with elderly people with dementia.
What do you like most about being a student-athlete at Gonzaga?
Being part of a community of student-athletes that support each other and the amazing staff that cares about each and every one of us.
What do you enjoy most about playing this sport?
The adrenaline I feel before a match. Just like any other sport, I always play against different players and so I need to have a different strategy for every player. Also, competing with my teammates next to me is what makes college tennis very fun and special.
Do you have any pre-game/match rituals?
Putting my water bottle in a certain spot before and after I drink it. It really bothers me when it's not on the spot I want it to be, or when people move it.
Who is your role model and why?
God because he is kind, forgiving, and always listening.
A favorite quote you live by:
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth."
What were your first thoughts/feelings/emotions when competing as a Division I athlete for your first time?
I was excited, nervous, and curious for what was coming.
How has being an athlete helped you in the classroom?
It has helped me understand that it is important to engage, participate, and make friends during any class.
What would you say is the hardest part of your sport?
Staying mentally and physically tough throughout the entire match.
What is the biggest challenge as a student-athlete?
Balancing athletics and academics while traveling and playing.
What advice do you have for prospective Gonzaga student-athletes?
Enjoy every single day because it goes by fast, give your all in every practice, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
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