FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Jeremy Rushing, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Oct. 1, 2012 - As a physical education major, Katie Hatch knows what it takes to keep her body and mind fit both on and off the court.  She has become one of the top players on the North Central College women's tennis team, earning two straight Academic All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) honors in the process.
               
In her first season, Katie finished with a 2-2 record in singles and 3-2 record in doubles in the fall. Katie moved up to the No. 5 position in singles by her sophomore season, compiling a record of 5-5 in singles play.  She added a 7-2 doubles record at the No. 3 position, including a third place finish at the CCIW Championships. 

Last season, Katie finished with a 5-12 record at No. 3 singles.  Moving up to the top spot in doubles, she compiled a record of 10-8.  In addition to her success on the court, Katie earned her second straight Academic All-CCIW honor for the fall 2011 season.

So far this season, Katie has earned a 7-7 record in singles, playing at the No. 2 position, and a  8-7 record in doubles, playing again at the No. 1 position. She has also competed in throwing events for North Central's women's track and field team, which won CCIW Indoor and Outdoor team championships in 2011.


Q: When did you start playing tennis?
A: Ever since I was little, around the age of 5 or 6 with my family.

Q: What is your favorite part about tennis?
A: Honestly, getting to let stress out (laughs).  Hitting a ball around is definitely a good stress reliever if you're having a bad day.

Q: Do you prefer singles or doubles?
A: I would have to say doubles.  I like having another person there when you're having an off day helping you to pick yourself back up.

Q: What is the team chemistry like on the women's tennis team?
A: It's great, we all get along way too well (laughs), we hang out all the time, and we always have dinner together.  It's like having a second little family.
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a physical education major?
A: The classes and teachers are great.  You get to know everyone else who are P.E. majors as well.  It's great having people you know really well in every one of your classes.

Q: What is your favorite class you've taken so far at North Central?
A: Adolescent Psychology.  The stories we read were all really great.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I would love to get a job (laughs).  Otherwise I'd plan on going to grad school.

Q: Who are your biggest role models?
A: I'm definitely going to have to say my father.  He's been there through a lot and helped me with everything.  He's definitely helped me with my attitude not only towards sports but towards life as well.