Locker room talk: Emilija Segetlija

Emilija “Emma” Segetlija, finance senior, was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. Segetlija started playing tennis when she was nine-years-old and officially decided in high school that she wanted to continue her career at the collegiate level. 

“I started to take it more seriously and get ready because I know I want to come to the U.S. and continue the sport I loved,” Segetlija said.

Like many international athletes, Segetlija moved to the United States to have the opportunity to play tennis in college. 

“All internationals want to play the sport that they love and actually enjoy it for four more years while competing. It’s experiencing something new. It’s different,” Segetlija said. 

While Segetlija’s senior year was cut short due to COVID-19, she is still able to take away good memories and lessons that she learned during her time wearing the Mustang jersey. 

“It feels like I gained another family. Another home away from home,” Segetlija said.

Over 5,000 miles away from her family, Segetlija looked to her team as more than just teammates, but as family. 

“We all work together to achieve our goal. One can’t do it by themselves. It needs to be a group effort, that’s what makes it more enjoyable. Fighting for something greater than just you,” Segetlija said.

Segetlija gives credit to Head Coach Scott Lin for coaching the team on the court, but also in life.

“Our coach is a really good coach. He knows what he is doing and he knows whatever he does on the court, he can apply in life. We are learning important life lessons while we are learning about the sport,” Segetlija said.