In an absence of seniors on the IUS women’s tennis team, Ashley Bunch, nursing junior, has stepped up to be the tennis captain.

“If our coach is running late or if she’s not there for some reason, I get everyone organized,” Bunch said.

Bunch started playing tennis when she was seven, and she played varsity tennis for three years at Bedford High School.

Bunch said she knew she wanted to play tennis in college and found a good fit at IU Southeast.

“I wanted to play somewhere small where I could play and also get an IU degree,” Bunch said.

Bunch was named a member of the All-Conference team the first two years she played tennis as a Grenadier.

Bunch said she loves the tennis team and the friendships she has with her teammates.

“It’s kind of awesome because everyone is really, really close,” Bunch said. “Everyone is friends, and we have never had any problems.”

Bunch said she plays tennis as a way of relaxing.

“It’s an hour and a half practice that I can just let go and relax,” Bunch said. “It’s pretty great, actually.”

Bunch said she admires Jenni Walters, IUS women’s tennis head coach, because she can connect with her.

“She’s young, and so she’s a really great coach to be able to relate to,” Bunch said. “She’s laid back, and that’s why I like [the team]. It doesn’t add more stress to my life, it takes it away.”

Bunch said after college she wants to continue playing tennis on community leagues around the area for fun.

“I’d definitely like to keep playing tennis, just to keep me doing something,” Bunch said.

Bunch said she is very compassionate toward people.

“I love to help other people and put them first,” Bunch said. “That’s why I’m going into nursing. I like to work hard toward things. I think things are a lot more worthwhile when you work hard for them.”

Bunch said in her spare time, when she is not playing tennis or studying, she enjoys going home to Bedford, Ind., and visiting her family.

“In the fall, we are really busy with tennis, so I never get to go home,” Bunch said. “That’s one of the things I actually really like to do — be able to go home and just kind of relax and do nothing.”

The team ended the season with a record of 9-5 and undefeated in the KIAC, 8-0.

By AYSIA HOGLE

Staff

ahogle@umail.iu.edu