March 9, 2005
Senior Mary Barry has been an integral part of the Missouri tennis team. In the four years of her Tiger career, she has been awarded Big 12 Player of the Week, helped lead the Tigers to their first NCAA berth and has provided constant motivation and inspiration to the other members of the Mizzou squad.
Q: Being a senior and competing in your last season, what are some things that you're going to miss about playing collegiate tennis?
A: "I'm really going to miss the team atmosphere. Tennis is mainly thought of as an individual sport but really I think the most important part is how your teammates can help pull you through important matches. The team aspect was and is quite important to me, so that's what I'll miss the most."
Q; How does it feel to be leaving this team?
A: "I'm really sad. The team and the coaching staff have become like my family. Even though I'm sad, I'm going to be walking away with a bunch of great memories."
Q: The team has some strong newcomers this season, how do they fit in with the team?
A: "Carolyn, Charlotte and Lubica fit in great on the court and off the court. We all really get along great and they make a great addition to the team."
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: "I think that I want to move back to the South. I know that I want to throw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game by then and hopefully I'll be married to a handsome New Zealand rugby star -- with the help of Charlotte Bellis of course! I just want everyone to know that if I have the good fortune to own a monkey by that time, I would name him Ernie Ray if he were a boy or Lilly if she was a girl."
