Freshmam women's tennis player Jackie Wu is off to a 6-0 start and leads a talented freshman group that has combined to go 18-2 thus far in singles play. She took some time to talk to the Vanderbilt Hustler about adjusting to college life, the secret to the freshmen's success and the biggest difference between tennis at the high school and collegiate levels.

Vanderbilt Hustler: How have you adapted to college life since coming to Nashville?
Jackie Wu: I had to manage my time better, just plan out the day so that I knew what I was doing and didn't get behind on schoolwork.

VH: What got you to start playing tennis?
JW: It was just recreational at first, and then I decided to pursue it further when I was about nine.

VH: You are 6-0 in singles so far on the season. What does it mean to you to have had so much success so early in your college career?
JW: I wasn't sure what to expect coming into college, so I'm really pleased with my results so far. I've been playing well, and it gives me further confidence to keep it going because I know I'm doing the right things.

VH: You were part of what was rated as a top five recruiting class, and so far all the freshmen have performed very well (18-2 combined record in singles). What is it that has made this class so special?
JW: I think we've played a lot of tournaments, so we had a lot of experience coming in. We came here really wanting to get better, so we've practiced really hard. I'm not saying that the other classes haven't, but I think we're very dedicated.

VH: What made you choose to come to Vanderbilt?
JW: First and foremost, it was the team. I really liked the atmosphere that was set here. I also really liked the coaches.

VH: How is playing tennis in college different from playing at a high level in high school?
JW: Coming in as a freshman, I didn't know what to expect, so it was weird for me to see what level of competition I would be getting. But playing as many tournaments as I did as a junior really helped me as far as match play and match experience. I do know that there's still a lot to learn from college tennis.

VH: What is this team's goal for the season?
JW: We are trying to be the fittest team out here out of all of our competitors and we also want to never back down. If somebody is going to win, they've got to beat us.

VH: What is the strongest aspect of your game?
JW: I have a lot of variety in my game, so if plan A doesn't work, I have a plan B.

VH: What aspect needs the most improvement?
JW: I think that would be the mental aspect, knowing what to think and trying not to get down, just staying positive and having a good attitude.

VH: What do you like to do in your free time?
JW: (Laughing) I just like to hang out.

VH: What is your routine before every match?
JW: I actually don't really have a routine. I don't know what some people do, but I don't really have a routine. Most of the time I'll try to listen to some music, just so that I don't think about the match too much. I just need to stay relaxed before I go out there.