A Look Into the Life of a Marist Women’s Tennis Team Captain

The schedule of a science student is already filled with schoolwork but adding a division one sport makes it all more impressive. Sam Galu ‘21, captain of the Marist Women’s Tennis team is able to balance her practices, matches, yoga while also working towards her degree in biology.

Throughout the week, Galu can be regularly found in the McCann Center, taking advantage of the weight room with her teammates or practicing at the Cross Court Tennis Club in Wappingers Falls. She is also frequently travelling across the Northeast, playing matches against fellow MAAC teams.

“I spend so much time with my teammates, but I would not change a thing. Everybody is so driven and always make practices and matches so much fun,” Galu said.

“This semester, our coach [Gary Sussman] suggested that we add yoga to our schedule,” Galu said. “It has helped us immensely in our matches. Our muscles are much more loose and ready for match play.”

Every Monday, both the women’s and men’s tennis teams come together to take a yoga class in the McCann Center’s yoga space. The class incorporates poses that are beneficial to tennis players, ensuring that the class is valuable in the team’s busy schedule.

After graduation, Galu plans to pursue a career to be a Physician’s Assistant. “I never wanted to sit at a desk all day, I want to be constantly moving and always being there to help people,” Galu said. Her schedule this semester includes Anatomy, Immunology, Sociology of Health and Psychology of Adolescents.

“Although my course load is sometimes overwhelming, I really enjoy the work that I am doing and what I am learning about in the industry,” Galu said.

“So many athletes encounter health problems before and after their career, it would be so rewarding to help them get back to their highest potential,” she said.

For Galu, when she is not focusing on tennis, she is working in the library.

She has earned MAAC All Academic Honors throughout her college career. Galu recently attended the Student Athlete 4.0 Breakfast, where she joined athletes of all sports in celebrating their academic achievements. “Celebrating my academic accomplishments with fellow athletes was a really cool experience, it is so nice to see that our athletic program is really focused on helping their athletes succeed on and off the court,” Galu said.

On Feb. 22 at 2 p.m., Galu and the rest of the Women’s Tennis team take on La Salle University in Williamsport, PA.

From Practice to Practicals

MARIST CIRCLE