From Snow to Sand

Villanova was one of the two teams who traveled from out of state to participate in the tournament. In fact, they traveled the furthest of any team in the tournament on a trip that took over 6 hours in travel time. Freshman KYLE GRANDIN, and doubles partners Junior DAVID SHAHEEN, and Senior ALEX LEESER did not seem to mind the tiresome trek.

Q: What's it like weather-wise in Pennsylvania right now?

GRANDIN: There is a lot of snow at the moment.


Q: What do you think of La Jolla then?

SHAHEEN: It's amazing! We have to play indoors until about March so this is great. I can work on my tan.


Q: Some people especially the locals would say this weather, low 60's, is chilly, but you guys are coming from snow, what do you have to say about that?

LEESER: I'm from New York and I even think it's a little cold because I was expecting 90 degree weather.


Q: How did you get involved in tennis?

SHAHEEN: My home overlooked a bunch of tennis courts and when I was younger I would go down there and ask random people to teach me how to play tennis. Finally someone taught me and I went from there.
LEESER: Everyone in my family played tennis so it was everywhere. My older sister actually played in college at Manhattanville College.
GRANDIN: I played soccer and tennis, but I chose tennis because I wanted to play a sport where I couldn't be pulled out.


Q: Do you prefer playing singles or doubles?

SHAHEEN: Singles.
LEESER: It's because he has me as a partner ha.
SHAHEEN: That and I'm still learning the doubles game
GRANDIN: Doubles.
LEESER: I prefer doubles.


Q: Why did you choose Villanova over other schools?

SHAHEEN: There's a lot of school pride and it is competitive academically and athletically. There is a good balance between fun, academics, and athletics at Villanova.
GRANDIN: I chose Villanova because of its good business program and I wanted to go out of state.


Q: As a Senior Alex, what was your best memory in your college career?

LEESER: I'd have to say starting as a Freshman and all four years.


Q: What equipment do you guys use?

SHAHEEN: I use a Wilson NCode racket and Wilson NXT string. I also put my grip on upside down just as a superstitious thing.
GRANDIN: A Babolat racket and Pro Hurricane strings. I put my grip tape on the normal way.
LEESER: A Wilson Blade with Luxilon string.