FARMVILLE, Va. - Longwood University junior women’s tennis standout Malin Allgurin/Värnamo, Sweden has been named the Longwood Female
ARMS Software Athlete of the Week. She led the Lancers against the University of Richmond with a win at No. 1 singles (6-3, 6-4), and teamed with senior Sarah Moomau/Winchester to win at No. 1 doubles (6-4). Allgurin is 3-6 overall, 1-0 this spring in singles, and 3-5 overall, 1-0 this spring in doubles. Her career singles record is now 41-25, while her career doubles record is now 30-32. She was also named this week’s Big South Conference Choice Hotels Women’s Tennis Player of the Week for her efforts at Richmond. Longwood will play again at the United States Naval Academy on Saturday, February 8 at 9 a.m. in Annapolis, Maryland.
Question and Answer Session with Malin Allgurin and Ashley Robbins
AR: Talk a little about the first match of the spring at Richmond last weekend.
MA: Richmond was our first match, so I think everybody was a little nervous, especially the three freshmen. Plus, there were several last minute changes. We were supposed to play inside, but then the weather was really nice, so we ended up playing outside instead. They also changed the rules so there was no warmup with your opponent. I didn’t think we were going to win doubles, but then we pulled out the point so that was amazing. Then in singles, I got a really good start. The girl I played was really good, last year she beat our No. 1, but I just did my best and ended up doing well.
AR: Do you find yourself in a leadership role on the team with the younger student-athletes?
MA: When they ask me something, I try to give them the best advice that I can. It comes pretty naturally for me to take a leadership role. I’ve been through the same thing (that they are going through) and know it is hard to come in as a freshman. I mostly like to lead by example. If one is person has to run, everyone is running. I don’t believe in seniority, everybody should do the same thing. Everyone has their spot and is important on the team.
AR: What is one goal you have for this season?
MA: I always have an individual goal to win more matches than I lose, especially this year. I had a good record freshman and sophomore year, but now since I have to play at No. 1, I have to play every other school’s best player, so it’s a lot of pressure. But, I just want to do everything to prepare for matches. You have to do your best in every situation. What you do off the court is going to affect what you do on the court.
AR: Did you do anything different to prepare for this season and playing at the No. 1 spot?
MA: Not physically, but maybe mentally. It’s mentally tough to be the one out there that has to lead the team when you play No. 1. So, I’ve probably thought about it more and prepared mentally for that.
AR: Who do you consider to be a role model?
MA: My dad. He’s always been there for me no matter what. Whether it’s with tennis or school or whatever, he’s always there.
AR: Why did you choose to come to Longwood?
MA: It was because of Coach Gustafsson. He was the head women’s coach when I signed. He’s also from Sweden, where I’m from, so it felt good to know he’s been through the same thing I was going to go through as far as being away from home in a new country. It was nice having him around. He’s still very helpful even though he just coaches the men’s team now.
AR: What do you see as a big difference between the game back home and here in the United States?
MA: Back home it’s more individual. I love being part of the team here. You work out together, you eat together, you do everything together, and even if I don’t have my best at practice one day, I can still help someone else become better that day. I like the fact that you’re in this together.
AR: If you could trade places with a teammate for a day, who would it be?
MA: Sarah (Moomau). It just seems like she never has a dull moment. She’s always laughing and always having fun. She just puts everyone in a better mood. She’s going to be missed a lot next year, since she’s a senior.
AR: Do you have any superstitions before matches?
MA: No not really. If we have the match later in the day, I still try to go out pretty early and maybe take a walk to get some air and clear my mind. Then I try to talk to someone from home just to get something totally different on my mind before the match.
