Getting to Know Capucine Gregoire
November 04, 2014 | Women's Tennis
The France native, who missed most of last season due to an injury, chats with GoHuskies.com about her experience here at Washington, what she thinks about new coach Robin Stephenson and shares a few things fans may not know about her.
How was the recruiting process for you and why did you choose UW?
The recruiting process was very smooth. I had the chance to travel oversee to visit the campus as well as meet the team and coaching staff. The two things that impressed me the most were the amazing campus and athletic facilities. I chose the University Washington because of its excellent tennis program, its world class education, and its dedication to constantly improving the student-athlete experience.
What is your favorite memory so far as a Husky?
Our conference match against Stanford during my freshman year. At the time, Stanford was ranked number one in the country and they went on to win the NCAAs that year. We lost a very close match - but it was one of our best team efforts, it was my best personal match as a Husky, and it was the biggest crowd that I have seen for us at the tennis center. Of course, it was very disappointing at the time - but it has now become one of my favorite memories as a Husky.
What is your favorite class so far at UW?
Global inequality. Very eye opening class taught by an amazing professor.
What is your Major? What interests you about that Major?
My major is Business Administration with a focus on Finance. Being in the business school has taught me to be constantly curious about the outside world and economy. I chose to focus on finance because it is a really competitive area that I can relate to being a student-athlete.
When did you first start playing tennis?
I first started playing tennis when I was four years old. During a family vacation on the seaside, a tennis coach saw me hitting tennis balls against a wall for hours. She convinced my parents to let me join her tennis lessons with kids that were at least five years older than me. It's really funny because my parents recorded the first time I played tennis on camera. I was already so focused. You could see that I was going to keep playing for a while!
What do you like to do whenever you have free time?
Whenever I have free time, I like to hang out with friends, try new restaurants, or go to concerts. I also enjoy watching shows and sports on TV. If I am not too tired, I also like reading the news.
What are some things you like about Coach Stephenson's coaching style?
I really like her positive outlook on things. She always gives positive advice that is meant to push us to get better. I also like that our new coaching staff have very clear standards and expectations - so that we all know what needs to be done at practice and outside of practice. Coach Stephenson is also very open to communicating with us which makes it very easy to discuss any issues or concerns about our matches.
Describe Coach Stephenson in three words.
Positive, dedicated & energetic
What other sports do you play?
I like playing basketball, soccer, and table tennis. Back when I was younger, I used to do competitive fencing. It's a really fun sport. I'd love to get back at it after college.
What are the strong points in your game?
My strong points are my forehand and my serve. My forehand is always my go-to when I am under pressure.
When did playing in college first start seeming like a possibility?
College first started seeming like a possibility in high school. That's when I truly realized that I wanted to be a student and an athlete at the same time. The US is one the rare countries that offers the possibility of being a student-athlete.
What goals do you want to accomplish while you are at UW?
I am already a senior... time has gone by so quickly. For my senior season, my goal is to complete an injury free season during which I can compete in every match. My ultimate goal for this season is to qualify for the NCAA championships as a team. It would be very frustrating to end this amazing experience without having competed in the NCAAs.
What's your favorite thing about Seattle?
THE RAIN... just kidding! I love that there is always something going on in Seattle - whether it's an outdoor market, a concert, a sporting event, etc.
What is something about you that a lot of people may not know?
The amount of burgers I ate during the first quarter of my freshman year...
What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
Sensitive, ambitious, and slightly annoying at times :)
Favorite Movie?
Inception (or any movie with Leonardo DiCaprio)
Favorite TV Show?
Castle, Suits, The Blacklist.
Favorite sport to watch other than tennis?
It's going to surprise many... but it has become football.
If you could travel anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?
French Polynesia - in a bungalow that floats in the lagoon.
