60 Second Spotlight: Valentina Kukuruzovic

Sophomore Valentina Kukuruzovic just moved to America from Serbia and is taking the high school tennis scene by storm.  Kukuruzovic took second place in the Woodland Conference tournament, was almost undefeated during the regular season, and qualified for the State Championship that took place Oct. 13-15.

How does it feel to be going to state?

“It’s so exciting!  I feel different and I feel good. When I was playing tennis in Serbia no one wanted to respect me or play with me. It’s a huge step for me.”

What has made you so successful this season?

“I lost only 2 matches and I won 2 silver medals. Out of 60 schools, Greendale is second.”

How long have you been playing tennis?

“Almost 12 years. I have played more than 50 tournaments in my life.”

How is high school tennis different here than in Serbia?

“We didn’t have high school tennis in Serbia. Our school didn’t want to organize it. In my tennis club we didn’t even have tennis camps. Everything is new for me here and it’s better here than in Serbia.”

What was your favorite moment of this season?
“Every moment when I’m on the court!  It’s like a totally different feeling and a totally different world.  I don’t wanna offend people who don’t play sports, but athletes are so much different than them and people who don’t play sports can’t understand the feeling.”