Getting to Know Riko Shimizu
November 20, 2014 | Women's Tennis
How was the recruiting process for you and why did you choose UW?
The recruiting process was very quick for me. I committed the beginning of my junior year, which was a lot earlier than most people in my original year. I went on a few unofficial visits to schools such as Cal, Pepperdine, and Northwestern. I grew up moving to new cities all the time, so I started to have an itch to want to explore again, and decided to keep my focus outside of Southern California. I had intentions to visit more schools, but as soon as I visited UW, I just knew. I ultimately made the decision based on the fact that UW has such a great balance between academics and athletics. It's a bonus that purple and gold are my favorite colors!
What is your favorite memory so far as a Husky?
Oh man, I have so many. I honestly can't choose tennis wise, I love playing our dual matches. Off the court, recently, we went on a team retreat before our fall season, and we played a game with the whole team called Catch Phrase. I laughed so much I thought I was going to die. It was amazing.
What is your favorite class so far at UW?
FISH 101!!! No I'm kidding. As weird as this sounds, I really enjoyed Media Law and Econ 200. And in case you're wondering, FISH 101 is an actual class I took my freshman year.
What is your Major? What interests you about that Major?
My major is Communications. I've always planned getting into COM. I like that I can apply the concepts I learn, and transfer it into my daily life. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to work in Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, or anything related to Media. I am also in the process of applying to the Sales Certificate Program from the Business School, and that has been extremely intriguing and eye-opening for me.
When did you first start playing tennis?
I started playing tennis somewhere between 8 to 9 years old in Chicago. It was an excuse for me to spend more time with my best friend at the time. I didn't know this before, but the first time I've ever hit a tennis ball was when I was around 6 years old. My parents thought I had absolutely no talent at the time, and never handed me a racquet again! Thanks mom and dad…
What do you like to do whenever you have free time?
My favorite pastime is annoying my boyfriend over the phone and demanding pictures of our pet hamster that he takes care of back in LA. Her name is Rosie and she's a super fat dwarf hamster we got at Petsmart. The more normal things I do include watching movies with my teammates and eating food.
What are some things you like about Coach Stephenson's coaching style?
I love the energy she brings in to the court and her competitive spirit. I also love the fact that she is a very hands-on coach and can play with us! She kicks my butt all the time. My ultimate life goal is to beat her in a tiebreaker or a set.
Describe Coach Stephenson in three words.
Positive, determined, humorous.
Who is an athlete you try to emulate?
This is a hard one, since there are so many great athletes out there. I'd say Kimiko Date-Krumm. She's truly an inspiration, and her passion for the sport is admirable. I can't imagine all the grueling work she must be putting in to be able to succeed on the tour at the age of 44.
What other sports do you play?
Occasionally Ping pong? I can beat most people at that. I love ice-skating for fun, even though I haven't done it in a very long time. I went snowboarding last year and got myself a mild concussion, which was a bundle of joy. My trainer was really happy about that one.
What are the strong points in your game?
Everything!!! No I'm 100% kidding. Net game and backhands.
When did playing in college first start seeming like a possibility?
Most tennis players start out wanting to go straight into the professional tour. I realized that playing in college was what I wanted to pursue when I was 15 or 16.
What goals do you want to accomplish while you are at UW?
Competing in the NCAA with my team, finishing up with a stellar record at whatever position I play this year, and hopefully being a good example to my team!
What's your favorite thing about Seattle?
I love the fact that it has nature within the city. I was born and raised in downtown Tokyo as a child, so the scenery of buildings and flat land was my norm. Being used to that, I really appreciate the natural beauty of Seattle. I love the seasonal changes, and the summers here are breathtaking.
What is something about you that a lot of people may not know?
Let me start off with this… I'm fully Japanese. I'm so sick of people coming up to me asking if I'm half or mixed. My favorite food is beef tongue and shark fin. Speaking about food, I can also beat anyone in a food contest, and that includes guys that weigh a lot more than I do. So get at me boys!! My biggest phobias are spiders and losing my metabolism. I'm also a Buddhist.
What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
Best. Person. Ever? No, I'm kidding. My best friends would actually use the strangest and most inappropriate three words to make me seem really weird, just so we can laugh about it later.
Favorite Movie?
“Up”, “The King's Speech”, “Braveheart”, “The Notebook” (don't make fun) and “Pitch Perfect”. Most movies with Angelina Jolie have a twist at the end, which I like. Lastly, anything with Gerard Butler and Channing Tatum shirtless is ok with me.
Favorite TV Show?
Gossip Girl. I just stare at the characters' wardrobes.
Favorite sport to watch other than tennis?
Gymnastics, ice skating, and most Olympic sports.
If you could travel anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?
I would go to Dubai, Maldives, Paris, Venice, and Ibiza. I love traveling. If I haven't gone to every major city in the world by the time I'm about to die, I would be a very grumpy grandma.
