By: Jazlyn Sharper
KENNESAW, Ga - Dedication, Discipline, and Leadership are three of many words that describe amazing athletes. These three words are what make up Spain native Sophia Unger. The rising senior has served as an important piece to the Kennesaw State women's tennis team for the past three years. Director of Tennis Matt Emery identifies Unger as an absolute rock that has developed into a dominant player throughout her career at Kennesaw State.
Before entering the United States, Unger defined herself as a prominent player having a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) of 9.76, a No. 3 ranking in Switzerland U18, and being a singles quarterfinalist at the Spanish National Championship.
As a freshman, Unger secured nine single wins and seven double wins to begin her mark in the program. Her growth has improved substantially as an Owl, obtaining 12 single wins and 14 doubles wins over the course of her sophomore and junior years.
Throughout the duration of her junior year, she created a personal season best, going undefeated at home, 7-0 in the singles competition.
Learning and growing from the veterans of the team, Unger will be up next as she will be the most vetted player for the 2024-25 season. Taking on this new leadership role will be no problem as she currently helps her younger teammates.
"Our team is predominantly younger so I am kind of taking that leadership role especially for next year as well when Taylor and Amu leave", said Unger. "It's like a glue kind of thing with the new and older girls... still keeping that leadership but still having a happy and outgoing personality."
Though being the only senior on the team may seem like a big responsibility, Unger still has an army of a team behind her.
"Coming into the new season, it is kind of bittersweet", said Unger. "I feel like I'm doing it alone sometimes, but then at the end of the day I have the whole team to support me through it so I'm excited for the new season."
Bleeding Black and Gold and having a fighting spirit are two ways Unger describes being a part of the Owls' women's tennis team. The fighting spirit created one of Unger's biggest highlights of the season when she clinched the UNF match earlier in the year.
"When I clinched the UNF match, that was my biggest highlight of the season and probably the best day I have had," said Unger. "It gives me chills talking about it, that was such a special moment, especially for the girls that have been here."
Outside of tennis Unger has enjoyed her time here in the States but also at Kennesaw State. One of the biggest differences is the college experience, in comparison to Spain.
"Living on campus, having a beautiful campus, having the dorms, and the commons just the whole experience in general is just so different than the universities in Spain," said Unger.
Her talents exceed past tennis as Unger has many hidden talents including being fluent in multiple foreign languages. As her mom's native language is Spanish and her dad's native language is German, it allows her to switch on and off when she plays.
"I grew up speaking Spanish but my parents put me in a British school, so that's where I learned English," said Unger. "When I am upset at myself I'll speak in Spanish, but when I yell it all just depends".
Going into the new season she wants to excel in the start of being in a new conference with the Owls' move to Conference USA, and looks to to set more personal goals as she did for the 2023-24 season.
"I'm looking forward to traveling and playing teams that we never played before and starting successful," said Unger. "I personally just want to continue to be a solid player for the team and it doesn't matter what lineup I'm in or playing I just want to support in getting a win."
As the spring comes to an end, Unger and her fellow teammates set out for preparation to work toward the bigger picture, creating dominance in Conference USA.
Follow Women's Tennis Social Media
Social Media: Twitter | FacebookTo keep up with the latest Kennesaw State women's tennis news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsWTenn, on Instagram @ksuwomenstennis or by liking Kennesaw State Owls on Facebook.
