TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University Women's Tennis team looks to take on Northwest Conference Opponent Whitman College in their final home match of the season on Saturday. The team will also celebrate their two senior Lutes.
 
Gearing up to compete this weekend, senior Kristi Floyd had a chance to reflect on her time at PLU going into her last home performance as a Lute. "I don't think it has fully set in yet that this is my last home match.  I feel like it was not all that long ago that I was a shy freshman joining the team!  Leaving will be difficult for sure, but it is comforting to know that I will still stay in contact with my teammates."

Floyd, who is pursuing jobs as a biological technician or as part of a conservation corps after graduation, has learned a lot about her passions and found support from her teammates, both past and future.

"The end goal is to gain experience in the conservation realm, and eventually work my way up as an environmental planner," said Floyd.  "Past connections with other environmental studies students on the team has been really beneficial in simply understanding what jobs are possible.  Talking to PLU tennis alumni has helped answer a few of my post-grad questions and made things less nerve-wracking."

While Floyd has learned a lot from her studies, she has also learned a lot through all of her time with coaches and teammates.  

"There has been so much that this team has taught me over the years. I cannot overemphasize how positive our team is.  Everyone is so incredibly optimistic and joyful, that is contagious!  Being in this positive atmosphere has allowed me to maintain a smile even when stressed, sore, or just plain old tired." 
 
Fellow Lute Rebekah Dumestre is also graduating the program- as a member of the 3-2 program Dumestre is celebrating her last home match as a Lute.  "I am so grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Women's Tennis team at PLU! My mom and aunt were on the team when they attended PLU, and it is so cool to be a part of the same legacy."
 
"As soon as I started practicing as a walk-on with the team I could feel that I belonged with the people there. I was hesitant to try out for the tennis team freshman year because I was enrolled in a full docket of chemistry and math courses, and I also wanted to be involved in the music program. However, my coaches and teammates have been so supportive of my membership in Choir of the West and my passion for both music and my major, and do everything they can to make sure that I can fit everything in my schedule. The tennis team has been one of the most positive communities that I have experienced on campus! It is full of kind and compassionate women who lift each other up and are unified with their love for tennis. We are determined to work hard for our goals on and off the court, but also like to have fun!"

Floyd and Dumestre and the rest of the Lutes will take to the court on Saturday, April 13 at 1 p.m. at Sprinker Recreation Center.