Lucile Pons is in her senior year at Campbell and has helped lead the Camels to a 9-4 record in Big South play over the last two seasons. A native of Nice, France, Lucile recently sat down with Campbell Athletics Communications student assistant Ashley Goddard to provide some insight into college tennis and herself.
Question: What is one of your favorite things about the sport of tennis?
Lucile Pons: I think one of my favorite things about tennis is when I am playing against a very tough opponent and it is a very close match, the adrenaline is pumping, and I like this feeling. All the skills are involved in this game, mentally and physically and I think tennis is the most difficult sport to play because of that. Tennis is an individual sport, so it is all about you and the efforts and energy that you put on court to win.
Q: What type of court do you like to play on?
LP: I started to learn how to play tennis on hard courts, but very quickly I played mainly on clay. In France, I play on clay all the time. I love this surface, being able to slide and the slices are much more efficient. But I indeed have a game that performs better on the hardcourt because I have a fast game, with a big serve and (hitting) flat balls.
Q: What is your favorite moment playing tennis at Campbell?
LP: I think the best moment was against Western Michigan at home. I was the last match and the score was 3-3. I was down on the third set 5-3, but I came back and won 7-6 by saving two match points. I clinched (the team dual match victory), and I remember the pressure I had on my shoulders but also the big support from the whole team on the court. It was thanks to all of them that I managed to get back to the score and that I was able to win. It was really exciting and stressful at the same time, but we were so happy at the end.
Q: Who do you look up to?
LP: I look up to my parents. They are the ones who allowed me to be here today, and who have always pushed me to tennis to be able to reach this level. They taught me fundamental values in life, which are respect, caring, and work. They always told me that life is not always going to be easy and that you have to fight no matter what. They always motivated me, so I want them to be proud of me.
Q: What did you do at home over the summer during the pandemic?
LP: We had really strict lockdown restrictions in France. We could not leave your house, except to walk within 1 kilometer (less than 1mile). For example, if we wanted to go to the supermarket, we had to sign an authorization paper. So, I stayed with my family, I went jogging in my neighborhood, I cooked a lot and I called my friends via Facetime.
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
LP: It was hard, to be back in France, after 5 months, without seeing my friends, to stay at home. So, in the beginning, I was in a bad mood because it was long and boring. But I realized that everyone was in the same situation, and that we all had to be united to be able to get out of this quarantine and that it was only together that we could achieve it. I am impatient (and) hate doing (nothing). So, I had to reflect on myself, wait a long time, and find activities at home. So, I didn't let go, I took time for myself, I did a lot of sport, which allowed me to feel better mentally and to grow from this experience.
Q: What is something that you miss back home in France?
LP: Of course, I miss my family, my friends, and food. Especially the food that my mum cooks (traditional food from the city where I live), and like a good French person, I miss cheese and bread. I miss my family, the moments of complicity that we share, or the activities that we do together.
Q: Who is your favorite tennis player?
LP: I would say, Roger Federer, a classic answer but so obvious. He is the most talented player, who for me has the best state of mind and mentality on court. He never gets angry and will always fight until the last point. His style of game and his presence on the court make him a legend.
Q: What is a your pre-match routine?
LP: I don't have a special routine, but I like being alone to try to clear my mind and listen to music. Usually, we have a specific warm-up before each match that allows me to be physically ready.
Q: What is one place you'd like to visit, that you haven't yet?
LP: I think I would go to Asia, to Bali. I always wanted to discover this place, because it is a culture that I do not know, and which has always interested me. The island is known for its dream landscapes, there are jungle, rice fields, sandy beaches, volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls ... I think it is a place full of discoveries and well known for its well-being.
