Towson, Md. – Yet another Towson University women's tennis alum has garnered praise in Andrea Samlin, who was recently inducted into the John F. Kennedy Athletic Hall of Fame in Bellmore, New York.
While at Towson, Samlin played under head coach Doug Neagle from 2009-13 and helped her team to three consecutive 12-win seasons. The Merrick, New York native enjoyed her best season as a senior, amassing a team-best 17 wins. With a 64-30 career record, she still ranks in the top-10 with a .627-win percentage.
1. Years after graduating from Towson, what are you up to?
After graduating from Towson, I received my Masters in Severe Disabilities with a certificate in Autism from Johns Hopkins University. I have been working as a Special Educator for the past nine years and loving every minute of it. I am currently living in New York with my husband and one-year-old daughter.
2. What drew you to attend Towson University back then?
When I went on my recruiting visit, I had a very good feeling. I really loved the town and enjoyed meeting my future teammates.
3. What is your best tennis memory as a Tiger?
I have so many amazing memories, but if I had to pick just one it would be when my teammates helped me throw a Best Buddies Prom. I was the event coordinator for Best Buddies at Towson University. At an event, my buddy shared that he had never been to a prom or dance. I immediately wanted to allow him to have this experience. With the help of my teammates, we got food, a DJ, and decorations all donated. The theme of the night was a "Night with The Stars." My teammates dressed up as celebrities and paparazzi. The event went off without a hitch! This event was beyond successful and now occurs every year at Towson. It was such a great feeling to have my teammates see my passion for this and help me make this event come to life.
4. Are you still playing tennis?
I play tennis as much as I can and cannot wait to start teaching my daughter in a few years. She is already holding a racket and we are hoping she is a lefty like her mom!
5. Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?
I still keep in touch with my teammates and two of them were bridesmaids in my wedding! My former doubles partner, Nani Lizana, flew in from Germany to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family, or as she refers to it, "her american family".
