University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
An Inside Look at Lisa Schneider
2/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
Lisa Schneider's whole family has always played tennis, so it was no surprise when her father first taught her to play when she was just eight years old. Since that moment, Schneider, a sophomore from Hilpolstein, Germany, has idolized Roger Federer and Serena Williams.
Through the ups and downs of tennis, Schneider's parents were constantly there to support her.
"My parents were always there ... they kept telling me that I was good and that I can do it," Schneider said. "You have good times and you enjoy it. However you have bad times where you have to push through to get better again," she added.
Since she was 10 years old, Schneider has practiced at least four times a week. She admits that she had to make sacrifices, like missing out on time with friends, to get where she is today. Her advice to young tennis players is to not give up even if it gets tough, and to find friends who support your sport.
When asked about her favorite part about playing tennis, Schneider says it's "the moment when you win a tight match and you know exactly that the hard work paid off." Her most memorable moment was beating the #2 seed at a European tournament when she was 16. She became confident that her ambition and effort was going to make her a successful tennis player.
Schneider came to USM because she liked the coach and the program he presented, as well as the campus and the Hattiesburg weather. Playing division I tennis is her proudest achievement so far.
Schneider is a sports management major who enjoys connecting her business classes with athletics. She plans to get her master's degree after graduation.
