During college, time can be perceived as a jugling act. School, work and athletics can create a full work load.  Some students can crack under the pressure — while others thrive in it.

For tennis player Abby Enteman, accounting and finance senior, being awarded one of Daktronics-NAIA Women’s Tennis Scholars of 2010 let her know which group she was in.

“I do work hard to keep up with everything,” Enteman said.

She said she was surprised, as well as happy to be a recipient of the honor.

Enteman grew up in Floyds Knobs. She started as a cheerleader at Floyd Central Middle School, but, during seventh grade she decided to try tennis out instead.

“My sister played, so I thought that I might as well try,” Enteman said.

She has played every year since her middle schools days, and, when time came to choose a college, she said IU Southeast was first on the list.

“I never thought about going anywhere else,” Enteman said. “My sister went here, and I never felt the need to look at other places.”

She also said convenience was a huge factor in her decision to apply to IU Southeast.

“It is only 10 minutes away from my home,” Enteman said.

Enteman is active on campus as a member of the Accounting Club and a recently inductee of the Beta Gamma Sigma chapter at IU Southeast.

Beta Gamma Sigma is accredited by the Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business International and is considered one of the highest recognitions business students can receive.

In addition to school and athletics, Enteman works at the YMCA during the week.

“I work with the children before school starts,” she said.

She has been working there for the past four years, but she said she is looking for an internship in the accounting field.

Enteman’s said her daily schedule has to be planned out to fit everything in.

During the week, she works every morning at the YMCA before heading off to tennis practice.

She then takes night classes so she can work in the daytime.

Starting in September, the tennis season will officially begin with their first game, so most Saturdays she will be participating in games.

Sometimes, Enteman said she finds herself in a little bit of a time-crunch but attributes her success to being able to manage her time.

“Doing a sport helps with time management,“ she said. “You know, you have to plan in advance.”

Enteman said she felt her hard work had paid off this year when she was named one of Daktronics-NAIA Women’s Tennis Scholars.

The scholars must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and are nominated by their head coach.

“I nominated her because she has the highest GPA on the team, and she’s earned it,” Jenni Walters, women’s tennis head coach, said.

“Motivation comes from within,” Walters said.

Besides nominating Enteman, Walters said she is developing a close relationship with her and the other members of the team.

“I used to play with her when she was younger, and now I am coaching them,” Walters said.

Walters said Entemen’s age helps her connect with the team.

“She is a good coach and close to our age,” said Enteman. “She is our friend when we need a friend and a coach when we need a coach.”

Enteman said those relationships help make the team stronger, as well as her close friendship with her doubles partner, Lauren Becher.

Becher, advertising senior, has been playing tennis with Enteman since they were both freshmen.

“We used to be rivals because I went to Jasper and she went to Floyd, but that is all in the past,” Becher said.

Now, Becher said their relationship on and off the court is close.

“We have chemistry, and I think that is important and good to have with your partner,” she said.

She said their playing style is more care-free, which makes playing the game more fun.

Becher said she was excited for Enteman.

“She is very smart and a hard-worker — academically and with tennis,” Becher said.

By MORIAH WHITTAKER

Staff

whittakm@umail.iu.edu