Senior Rachel Surowiec is one busy student. She is a representative of the Student Athlete Advisory Board, is enrolled in 16 credit hours this semester, as well as completing volunteer practicum hours and volunteering at the downtown YMCA twice a week.
On top of those responsibilities, she also is a collegiate athlete. Three or more hours of practice a day and multiple matches a week pile up on top of her studies.
Surowiec is also the only senior on the Ball State University women's tennis team and is hoping to lead a young team to a successful season.
This year's nine player roster consists of six freshmen, two sophomores and one senior. Although it may sound like a lot to handle, Surowiec said it's made easier by the players on the team.
"Coming into this season with such a young team and so many newcomers, you would think that being the lone senior might be a challenge," Surowiec said. "But it didn't even take as long as our first practice to figure out that this is an amazing group and regardless of age, everyone already seems to take on responsibility."
The Cardinals will play their season-opening tournament Friday at the Cardinal Creek Tennis Center.
Coach Kathy Bull said she thinks the players are taking on the responsibility of leadership as a team.
"One individual hadn't stood out in every form of leadership," Bull said. "It's been spread out throughout the players. Someone steps up one day or another, which is good, so we don't have to rely on one individual."
Surowiec also said there is the opportunity for different leaders in different situations.
"Everyone seems to realize that they all have the potential to act as leaders in our particular situation this year," Surowiec said. "I'm excited to see who will step up and when."
Bull has a good idea when a solitary leader may emerge from the team, she said.
"I look forward to our first road trip," Bull said. "That's when the ladies will be out of their comfort zone, have to get up on time and get on the bus on schedule and everything that goes with being away from home. That's when we might see a leader."
Leading by example is what it takes to truly lead, Surowiec said.
"There is so much to be said about leading by example," Surowiec said. "I feel as though that particular method is very important in any team. You can tell someone a million times what is expected of them but if you, as the senior, are not holding up to certain standards, how can you expect your team would?"
In actionBall State at Ball State Invitational
TIME: All day, Friday and Saturday
VENUE: Cardinal Creek Tennis Center
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