Abigail Chiu ’21 has made an immediate impact on the Dartmouth women’s tennis team since joining the team this past fall. With her doubles partner Julia Schroeder ’18, Chiu has won many victories for the Big Green this season, going 10-3 in singles and 10-7 in doubles Ivy League play and ending the doubles season on a four-game winning streak. Chiu was recently named to the first team All-Ivy for doubles with Schroeder.
What made you want to play tennis at Dartmouth?
AC: I wanted to play tennis at Dartmouth because of the coach and the collaborative team atmosphere. When I first visited the school and met the team, it was obvious to me how lucky I would be to be a part of this community.
What do you like most about Dartmouth tennis?
AC: What I like most about Dartmouth tennis is the 10 other girls that make up this team. Each and every one of them has made me feel special this past year. With tennis being such a small team, I have become close to all of the girls. I think being good friends with them has helped me work harder because for the first time in my life, I am trying to win for more than myself
How does it feel to be named to first team All-Ivy as a freshman?
AC: To be named first team All-Ivy as a freshman is truly an honor. In the beginning of the year, I was really struggling being away from my family and best friends, so I never thought something like this would have been possible.
How has the team changed from your freshman fall to now?
AC: I think putting three new girls into an already established team is always going to be difficult. Besides not knowing the team that well, we three freshmen were dealing with being away from home, settling into a new place and trying to balance schoolwork — all challenging things. However, after our spring break trip, I think the team dynamic changed. We all finally got to know each other well, and the time spent together was very important for our team.
What moment have you been most proud of personally so far?
AC: Winning regionals with my partner Julia was my most proud moment. Coming in as a freshman, I didn’t have the highest expectations of myself, so winning that was special.
What are your personal goals for the rest of your time at Dartmouth?
AC: My goal for the rest of my time at Dartmouth is to become a leader on my team. Even though I am one of the youngest on my team, I know I have the capability to become a leader, and that is something really important to me. I also want to help my team win the Ivy League title next year. There’s nothing that would make me happier than to win that with my team.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
