For Presha Shanthamoorthi, being named Freshman of the Year means a lot after her first season playing college tennis. The award reflects the work she put in throughout the year and gives her confidence moving forward as she continues her career.
“Honestly, it means everything,” Shanthamoorthi said. “I worked so hard this year and to get recognized for it feels amazing. Coming in as a freshman, I just wanted to prove myself and this award tells me I’m heading in the right direction.”
Shanthamoorthi said she came into the season with high expectations for herself and wanted to make an immediate impact on the team. She focused on putting in consistent work every day and trusting that it would pay off. Adjusting to the pace and level of college tennis was something she took seriously from the beginning, and she approached each practice with the goal of improving.
“I always set big goals for myself. I came in hungry and wanted to make my mark straight away. I knew if I put in the work every day, good things would happen,” Shanthamoorthi said.
Throughout the season, Shanthamoorthi had several strong performances, but one moment stood out to her the most. During a match against William Carey, she had to push through physical discomfort and stay mentally focused in order to win. The match tested both her physical endurance and mental strength, forcing her to rely on everything she had practiced throughout the season.
“I was cramping so bad I could barely move, but I just kept fighting. My teammates were going crazy on the sideline and my coach kept telling me to embrace the struggle. Winning that tiebreak was one of the best feelings of my life,” Shanthamoorthi said as she recounted the event.
She said that match showed her how much she had grown as a competitor and how important it is to stay mentally tough, even in difficult situations. Being able to push through challenges like that gave her more confidence in her game and showed her that she could compete under pressure.
In addition to competing on the court, Shanthamoorthi also had to adjust to the academic side of college. Balancing school and athletics was challenging at times, especially during travel and match-heavy weeks, but she stayed disciplined and focused on both responsibilities.
“It wasn’t easy but I just stayed disciplined,” she said. “I love competing but I also take my studies seriously. Finishing with a 4.0 GPA last semester showed me I can handle both when I stay focused.”
She said staying organized and committed helped her manage her schedule and maintain a high level of performance in both academics and athletics. Developing those habits early in her college career was important and will continue to help her moving forward.
Shanthamoorthi also worked on improving different aspects of her game throughout the season. One of the main areas she focused on was her transition game, which helped her become a more aggressive and confident player on the court. Learning when to move forward and take control of points became a key part of her development.
“My coach pushed me to get inside the court more and take the ball earlier. Once I started doing that consistently, my game became way more aggressive and dangerous,” Shanthamoorthi said.
As the season went on, she became more comfortable with her playing style and more confident in her decision-making during matches. Shanthamoorthi said those improvements helped her compete at a higher level and allowed her to stay consistent throughout the season.
Another important takeaway from the season was learning more about herself as a player. Shanthamoorthi said she discovered a new level of mental toughness that she didn’t fully realize she had before. Competing in close matches and high-pressure situations helped her grow both mentally and emotionally.
“I learned that I’m a fighter,” she said. “I never knew how mentally tough I was until this year. Playing through tough moments and still finding a way to win gave me so much confidence in myself.”
She said that experience will help her moving forward, especially in tight matches where focus and composure are important. Being able to stay calm and trust her training is something she plans to continue building on.
Shanthamoorthi also credited her teammates and coaches for playing a big role in her success. Adjusting to a new environment and being away from home was not always easy, but she said the team helped make that transition smoother and more comfortable.
“They were everything to me this year,” she said. “Being so far from home was tough but my team made it feel like family. My coach always knows exactly what to say to keep me locked in during matches.”
Head coach Matthew Llewellyn said Shanthamoorthi’s success reflects the work of the entire team and the environment they created throughout the season.
“We are proud of Presha being named freshman of the year,” Llewellyn said. “We view individual awards as team accomplishments. She trained and competed alongside her teammates every practice. Without them, she would not have been prepared to have this successful season. She is a great competitor and fights for her teammates. She has learned a lot this season which has positioned her to potentially create her own Loyola legacy.”
He said her effort, attitude, and willingness to compete have made a strong impact on the program and set a foundation for future success. Her ability to learn and grow throughout the season has been an important part of her development.
Looking ahead, Shanthamoorthi said she wants to continue improving and become more consistent in her performance. She plans to use the summer to keep working on her game and build on what she accomplished this season, focusing on both physical and mental preparation.
“I want to be more consistent. Same energy, same intensity every single day,” Shanthamoorthi said. “I’m going after the [Intercollegiate Tennis Association] Championships and I want to be the player my team can always count on when it matters most.”
She said her goals include continuing to develop her skills, staying disciplined, and competing at a high level in every match. Shanthamoorthi also wants to continue being a reliable teammate and someone her team can depend on in important moments.
Shanthamoorthi has long-term goals for her tennis career. She said she wants to keep improving during her time in college and eventually pursue opportunities at the professional level. She understands that it will take time, effort, and consistency, but she is willing to put in the work.
“I feel like I’m just getting started,” Shanthamoorthi said. “College tennis is making me tougher and smarter every day. My plan is to keep growing here and eventually take my shot at the professional level. I believe I have what it takes.”
As she moves into the summer, Shanthamoorthi said she plans to stay focused and continue putting in the work. After a strong freshman season, she is looking to build on that success and keep improving in the years ahead while continuing to represent her team at a high level.
