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University of Massachusets Athletics
Behind The Masses • UMass Tennis Blog • Tami Comins Q&A
September 27, 2019 | Tennis
Blog host Jodie Annie Lawrence-Taylor interviews senior Tami Comins
After beginning the weekly Q&A sessions with Ashley Avery, I feel that it is only fair to give the honour of second interviewee to her birthday buddy.
This weeks player in the spotlight is one of the greatest teammates anyone could ask for; constantly challenging herself to improve and encouraging the rest of us, she makes a real impact at practice. During matches, she is one of the most frequent sources of support, constantly cheering on those locked in the midst of battle and inspiring them to achieve victory. This support is not only found on the court but is seen away from it as well. Initially, you may believe that she is quiet but I can promise you that this is merely a facade; with one of the best sense of humours on the team, she is always there to brighten your day or offer a helping hand if required (she's even offered to be my financial advisor, poor girl…). None of these great qualities are missed by a single person on our team, which led to her receiving the Coach's Award at the end of her junior year. Tami Comins is truly a vital part of UMass Tennis.
So, Tami, first of all, I have to ask the question that we are all wondering: how does it feel to miss out on title of oldest team member by just a few hours?
Tami Comins: I would be disappointed but I was actually supposed to be born in December. I was so excited to join the world that I decided to come three weeks early. So instead of being three weeks older than me, Ashley is only around three hours older, so I can't be too upset. Plus, I still hold the title of being the shortest on the team so it's ok.
Ah, a title you should be incredibly proud of. I know Jasmin tried to challenge you for it so congratulations for fending her off. Anyway, as one of the oldest, you will be graduating soon. Do you have any plans?
TC: I hope to get a master's degree in financial planning and then become a fee-based planner in my hometown of Rochester, New York. As an accounting major, I have a passion for working with numbers and also love helping people and giving advice, especially when it comes to helping my friends select classes. I think pursuing a career in financial planning is a good way for me to combine my number and people skills.
Being a part of a team and working with people seems to be highly important to you. Is this one of the reasons why you wanted to be a part of UMass Tennis?
TC: For sure. When I first came to visit during my junior year of high school, I watched a practice and was amazed by the energy and focus all of the girls had. I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to be part of. I also loved the diversity on the team; I come from a town with a lot of different cultures and I wanted to find a place that would be similar in that regard.
It seems that you immediately fell in love with the team. Looking back, has being a part of UMass Tennis lived up to your expectations? In what ways do you think joining this team has benefited you?
TC: I am definitely glad I joined the team and know I made the right decision in picking UMass. I started playing tennis when I was 5, so I'm grateful I got the chance to continue my career throughout college. In regards to how it has benefited me, being on the team has allowed me to develop strong time management skills; I've had to manage a full course load and an internship, in addition to team commitments. Another way being on the team has helped me is the access I've had to such a strong support system. I have loved my time at UMass, but there were challenges along the way. I always found comfort knowing that I have the full support of my teammates and coaches to help me overcome adversity.
As one of the most supportive members of our team, I'm really glad to hear that you feel we have your back too. But who do you think has your back the most? Who's your favourite teammate? (It's me obviously, right?)
TC: There's a 9 way tie between all of my teammates. All of them have completely distinct personalities and bring something different to the table. Comparing my relationship with one teammate to another is like comparing apples and oranges: it can't be done. I bond with some of my teammates over taking similar classes in Isenberg; others I share a sense of humor with; some I just love because they always brighten my day. I value the relationships I have with all of them because they've all made me grow as a person and tennis player.
That's probably the sweetest answer you could have given. Even though I'm slightly offended you didn't choose me, I can't exactly be mad as you're right: we truly are all so different and for some reason that's what makes the team work, on and off the court. When it comes to tennis, we have a variety of gamestyles on this team; how would you describe yours?
TC: I think everyone on the team would agree that I am a grinder. I love staying back on the baseline and moving my opponent around as much as possible, while making very few errors.
Can't argue with that. I always know I'm going to have a great hit when I'm paired with you as you never miss! Now that we know a little more about your on court personality, let's learn a little more about your off court one. What's your favourite thing to do in your free time?
TC: I would have to say it's watching shows on Amazon Prime. Unsolved Mysteries is one of my favorite shows of all time, so I was thrilled when they added the whole series to Prime. I watched it when I was younger but it's fun to see again. I've always loved true crime shows because they keep my mind sharp as I try to figure out who the guilty party is. I've only watched the first seven seasons in the past year and a half as I need to pace myself so I don't get tired of it.
True crime is certainly something that piques everyone's interest. I've heard that criminals often have weird quirks though and I once caught you eating yoghurt with a fork, so I'm not sure if I should be concerned... Do you have any other unique things about yourself to share with us?
TC: My favorite food is huevos rancheros and I get it every single Sunday morning for brunch at Berk without fail. Also, one of the items on my bucket list is to go to all fifty states (airport visits do not count but driving does). So far, I've been to 26 of them, but the only states out west I've been to are Arizona and California, so I'm definitely looking forward to getting out there more.
Well I wish you the best of luck with that. It sounds like a pretty awesome goal and you're already well on your way to achieving it! Thank you Tami for using your time management skills to fit my questions into your busy schedule. Check back next week for an intriguing interview with one of the most important members of UMass Tennis.
This weeks player in the spotlight is one of the greatest teammates anyone could ask for; constantly challenging herself to improve and encouraging the rest of us, she makes a real impact at practice. During matches, she is one of the most frequent sources of support, constantly cheering on those locked in the midst of battle and inspiring them to achieve victory. This support is not only found on the court but is seen away from it as well. Initially, you may believe that she is quiet but I can promise you that this is merely a facade; with one of the best sense of humours on the team, she is always there to brighten your day or offer a helping hand if required (she's even offered to be my financial advisor, poor girl…). None of these great qualities are missed by a single person on our team, which led to her receiving the Coach's Award at the end of her junior year. Tami Comins is truly a vital part of UMass Tennis.
So, Tami, first of all, I have to ask the question that we are all wondering: how does it feel to miss out on title of oldest team member by just a few hours?
Tami Comins: I would be disappointed but I was actually supposed to be born in December. I was so excited to join the world that I decided to come three weeks early. So instead of being three weeks older than me, Ashley is only around three hours older, so I can't be too upset. Plus, I still hold the title of being the shortest on the team so it's ok.
Ah, a title you should be incredibly proud of. I know Jasmin tried to challenge you for it so congratulations for fending her off. Anyway, as one of the oldest, you will be graduating soon. Do you have any plans?
TC: I hope to get a master's degree in financial planning and then become a fee-based planner in my hometown of Rochester, New York. As an accounting major, I have a passion for working with numbers and also love helping people and giving advice, especially when it comes to helping my friends select classes. I think pursuing a career in financial planning is a good way for me to combine my number and people skills.
Being a part of a team and working with people seems to be highly important to you. Is this one of the reasons why you wanted to be a part of UMass Tennis?
TC: For sure. When I first came to visit during my junior year of high school, I watched a practice and was amazed by the energy and focus all of the girls had. I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to be part of. I also loved the diversity on the team; I come from a town with a lot of different cultures and I wanted to find a place that would be similar in that regard.
It seems that you immediately fell in love with the team. Looking back, has being a part of UMass Tennis lived up to your expectations? In what ways do you think joining this team has benefited you?
TC: I am definitely glad I joined the team and know I made the right decision in picking UMass. I started playing tennis when I was 5, so I'm grateful I got the chance to continue my career throughout college. In regards to how it has benefited me, being on the team has allowed me to develop strong time management skills; I've had to manage a full course load and an internship, in addition to team commitments. Another way being on the team has helped me is the access I've had to such a strong support system. I have loved my time at UMass, but there were challenges along the way. I always found comfort knowing that I have the full support of my teammates and coaches to help me overcome adversity.
As one of the most supportive members of our team, I'm really glad to hear that you feel we have your back too. But who do you think has your back the most? Who's your favourite teammate? (It's me obviously, right?)
TC: There's a 9 way tie between all of my teammates. All of them have completely distinct personalities and bring something different to the table. Comparing my relationship with one teammate to another is like comparing apples and oranges: it can't be done. I bond with some of my teammates over taking similar classes in Isenberg; others I share a sense of humor with; some I just love because they always brighten my day. I value the relationships I have with all of them because they've all made me grow as a person and tennis player.
That's probably the sweetest answer you could have given. Even though I'm slightly offended you didn't choose me, I can't exactly be mad as you're right: we truly are all so different and for some reason that's what makes the team work, on and off the court. When it comes to tennis, we have a variety of gamestyles on this team; how would you describe yours?
TC: I think everyone on the team would agree that I am a grinder. I love staying back on the baseline and moving my opponent around as much as possible, while making very few errors.
Can't argue with that. I always know I'm going to have a great hit when I'm paired with you as you never miss! Now that we know a little more about your on court personality, let's learn a little more about your off court one. What's your favourite thing to do in your free time?
TC: I would have to say it's watching shows on Amazon Prime. Unsolved Mysteries is one of my favorite shows of all time, so I was thrilled when they added the whole series to Prime. I watched it when I was younger but it's fun to see again. I've always loved true crime shows because they keep my mind sharp as I try to figure out who the guilty party is. I've only watched the first seven seasons in the past year and a half as I need to pace myself so I don't get tired of it.
True crime is certainly something that piques everyone's interest. I've heard that criminals often have weird quirks though and I once caught you eating yoghurt with a fork, so I'm not sure if I should be concerned... Do you have any other unique things about yourself to share with us?
TC: My favorite food is huevos rancheros and I get it every single Sunday morning for brunch at Berk without fail. Also, one of the items on my bucket list is to go to all fifty states (airport visits do not count but driving does). So far, I've been to 26 of them, but the only states out west I've been to are Arizona and California, so I'm definitely looking forward to getting out there more.
Well I wish you the best of luck with that. It sounds like a pretty awesome goal and you're already well on your way to achieving it! Thank you Tami for using your time management skills to fit my questions into your busy schedule. Check back next week for an intriguing interview with one of the most important members of UMass Tennis.
Players Mentioned
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