New Paltz athletic communications intern David Lostaglio caught up with senior Paige Munroe of the New Paltz women's tennis team for the week nine release of the weekly Senior Spotlight series that will have a new senior interviewed every Monday.

Q: You come from Michigan, which is outside of the usual draw for SUNY New Paltz students. Why did you come to New Paltz?
A: "I originally came to New Paltz for the metals program in the Fine Arts Department. Our school's metals program is ranked as the best in the country, and after taking two years of metals classes in high school, I knew that I wanted to pursue metalsmithing and I wanted to get the best education possible. Also, New Paltz perfectly fit the other criteria I was looking for – being a Division 3 school so I could continue to play tennis, and located in a small town and mountainous area. Coming from the Midwest where it's always flat, I wanted a change of scenery, and my family is originally from New York, so I feel comfortable in this state."

Q: You achieved a great amount of success throughout the course of your career here, which included being named the SUNYAC Player of the Year this past season. Looking back at all the hurdles you had to overcome, including surviving cancer and moving to an unfamiliar location, how did you manage to continue improving to the point where you became one of the top players in the SUNYAC?
A: "I think every challenge I have faced in my life and career has only bettered me as person, humbled me, and made me more determined to succeed. I also truly believe in the concept of self-belief, where if you put your mind to something, you will achieve it, and I try to always approach my tennis game and career with that mentality. One of my main life goals is very simple – to continue to better myself as a person, athlete and artist every day that I am blessed to live, mainly for the people around me. There is something so satisfying about working really hard and seeing yourself get better, and then benefiting your team as a result of your hard work. Nothing is sweeter than that, but added sugar to the cake is being recognized as a SUNYAC Player of the Year!"

Q: What is your favorite or most memorable moment while playing tennis here at New Paltz?
A: "One of my most recent memorable moments was last fall's SUNYAC Tournament playing in the final doubles match with Devin [Tracy] against Geneseo. I will never forget the intensity and excitement in that match. Dev and I played the best we've ever played together, staying in some really long, hard points while being super aggressive at the net. When we were in the last game for Geneseo to win it, we both looked at each other and said , "Let's lay everything out on the line right now." We won two consecutive games after that – we weren't about to just give up that easy. Geneseo ended up beating us 8-5 in the end, but our level of play was unforgettable for me. I'm going to miss being her partner, that's for sure, but that was the best possible last match we could have had."

Q: What are going to miss the most about New Paltz tennis?
A: "My favorite part about being on the New Paltz tennis team is spending time with my teammates on the road. I'm going to miss hearing their laughter in the back of the van, and watching their determination on the tennis court. I'm also going to miss being on a team in general! That's why I'm joining a USTA league tennis team in Albany this summer to keep playing the sport I love and stay in community with other players."

Q: What are your plans for after graduation?
A: "After graduation, I am immediately moving to Lenox, Mass., for a summer job as a goldsmith at Laurie Donovan Designs. In September, I'm moving down to Penland, N.C., to be a studio assistant in a metals class for two months. I haven't secured a winter apprenticeship yet, but I am looking to apply to a blacksmithing shop in Detroit, Mich. These next few years are going to be filled with a lot of traveling and gaining experience through one-on-one apprenticeships with various artists in my field. Then, eventually grad school!"