Vol Profile - Mark Dietrich - University of Tennessee Athletics

March 20, 2002

Vol Profile: Mark Dietrich

Vol Profile: Were there any particular influences on your decision to come to Tennessee?
Dietrich: "I have had a couple family members attend Tennessee, so it was a comfort zone, but also the coaching staff had a big influence on my decision. The coaching staff has a lot of experience and they are very talented."

Vol Profile: Now that you are here, what would you say is your favorite thing about UT?
Dietrich: "My favorite thing about UT would have to be the support you get from the town. The people here really support the school and knowing that you are contributing the school is a great feeling."

Vol Profile: Do you have any expectations or goals that you have set for yourself this season?
Dietrich: "As a team we want to win the national championship and I think we have great shot at it this year. As for individual goals, I just want to contribute as much as I can to the team."

Vol Profile: What are you interests outside of tennis?
Dietrich: "If I'm not playing tennis I really like to spend time with my family. I like to just hangout and relax with them."

Vol Profile: Do you go through a lot of mental preparation or do you have any certain superstitions before a match?
Dietrich: "I always listen to this one CD before I play. I listen to it right before I go on the court, I actually take on court with me. I always stretch a lot before a match and make sure that I am hydrated before the match starts."

Vol Profile: Do you have anyone that you look to for motivation?
Dietrich: "It would have to be my dad. He played college football and I always wanted to do something big like that, he is just awesome."

Vol Profile: After you graduate, what would you like to be remembered as a member of the Tennessee tennis team?
Dietrich: "I would to be remembered for being on a team that brought home a national championship, and maybe an individual championship."