Women's Tennis | 9/29/2014 12:26:00 PM

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

Sep. 29, 2014 - North Central College women's tennis student-athlete Reynolds Cross, an elementary education major and mathematics minor, found her niche in tennis at a young age.
 
She began lessons when she was only in kindergarten, falling in love with the sport, and continued to play recreationally until high school, when she started playing competitively.
 
Now, she finds herself wrapping up her final year at North Central College. The appeal of a sport that encompassed individual and team talent really caught her attention.
 
"I like that it is not just an individual sport, but also a team sport," said Cross, reflecting on her love for tennis. "You have to rely heavily on yourself, but it's motivating to also have it as a team sport where you can win for other people as well."
 
Currently halfway through the season, the Oswego native has had much success in both doubles and singles, despite having never played in a singles match prior to joining the Cardinals' squad.
 
"Last year was a good year for the team and myself and we are looking to improve on that," said Cross. "We have worked so hard this season and in seasons past and I think we will be able to do well as we did last year if not better."
 
During the 2013-2014 campaign, Cross finished 7-2 at No. 5 singles and 9-6 at No. 2 doubles. At the Collegiate Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championship, she finished in 2nd place for singles and 3rd place in doubles.  She was also named to the Academic All-CCIW team for the last three years.
 
Cross attributes the team success to its overall dynamic on and off the court.
 
"We are family at North Central to begin with; the girls on the team are very close and we grow closer as the years go on," said Cross. "I'm going to be friends with these girls for the rest of my life and that has made the last four years enjoyable."
 
Maintaining a balance between studies, practice, and extracurricular activities can pose a challenge to many student-athletes, but not for Cross.
 
She also keeps herself busy on campus, involved in numerous student organizations, including the College Union Activities Board (CUAB), Orientation Staff, the First-Year Mentor Program (FYM), and FOCUS. And she does this and more, all while also focusing on completing her undergraduate studies.
 
Cross is looking forward to finishing her career on a high note and continuing to grow her passion for tennis.
 
"I want to make the most of this year," she said. "I have worked so hard for the past four years especially at the collegiate level, and I think that will pay off. "
 
At this point in the season, Cross is 6-7 at No. 4 singles and 7-7 at No. 1 doubles. The Cardinals (6-3, 3-2 CCIW) host conference rival Elmhurst College on Wednesday before a non-conference home match against Benedictine University on Saturday.