Kickin’ it with Kat

Katarina Marjanovic is no stranger to the tennis court. With nine years of practice, she knows the sport well. All her hard work paid off too: she’s the number one girl’s tennis player in the Big 12 conference. As her teammate, I’ve had the chance to get to know Kat, as we call her. Kat isn’t the egomaniac many successful tennis players are; she’s a down-to-earth, happy high school senior who has a bright future ahead. When she’s on the court, sure, she commands what happens. But once she steps out of the white lines, she’s just the Kat who beasts at Math Club and loves to bake for her family. To celebrate her fourth trip to State in her High School career, The Echo delved into the world of Katarina Marjanovic to see what makes one of UHS’s most successful athletes tick. Here’s to you, Kat, and everything you’ve accomplished.

Full Name: Katarina Marjanovic
Nickname(s): Kat, Kit Kat
Place of Birth: Urbana, Illinois
Recent Accomplishments: Sectionals Singles Champion, Big 12 Singles Champion, Big 12 Doubles Champion (partnered with Ali Shapira, Senior), placed fourth at Bloomington Singles Invitational
Extra-Curricular Activities: Tennis, Math Club, Scholastic Bowl and Orchestra

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Mandy Facer: So Kat, what training methods did you practice to improve at tennis?
Katarina Marjanovic: Well, I take lessons at Atkin’s Tennis Center and I try to hit with different people and practice different techniques when I hit. I also work out with a trainer to improve my balance and stabilization.

MF: What do you listen to so you can get pumped for big matches and tournaments?
KM: I really like “I’ve Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.

MF: Who is your favorite tennis player and why?
KM: Oh, I have many favorites. Roger Federer and Kim Clijsters because they both have good mental and physical determination. Dinara Safina is cool too because she worked really hard on her game.

MF: In one word, how would you describe your High School tennis experience?
KM: Wonderful! Every year is different, but still really enjoyable. You get to know new people and it’s fun.

MF: What is your favorite High School tennis memory?
KM: Well, I have a lot. We had a lot of fun this year at the Peoria Tournament…we showed up and they decided to move it back because of rain. We played cards at Panera for two hours and then they decided to cancel the tournament. We still had a lot of fun and were really loud.

*Editor’s Note: Kat won the ridiculously long card game we played at Panera.

MF: Where does your tennis career go from here?
KM: College! I’m looking into some different colleges- I’ve visited Carnegie Mellon and Washington University in St. Louis. They both have strong tennis teams, but they also have good academic programs.

MF: What career will you pursue after college?
KM: That’s the big question, isn’t it? I like everything so it makes deciding really hard.

MF: What are you interested in outside of tennis?
KM: I play piano and violin, I love to read and I really love to bake. I make brownies, and cookies and white chocolate raspberry cookies….

*Editor’s Note: Kat then preceded to bring over a book of chocolate recipes and a large collection of pasta recipes and the professional aspect of the interview was lost as we began to discuss food and why you just can’t live without chocolate.