 Garsten, Austria native Anna Götz was a three-year member of the Embry-Riddle women's tennis team from 2013-16. She was part of the Eagles' top-flight doubles team and anchored the No. 2 position in the singles lineup.
In her first season wearing the Blue and Gold, she helped ERAU to a perfect 7-0 Sun Conference record, as well as the 2014 Sun Conference regular season and conference titles. That year, ERAU was one of two teams to play on the final day of the season; they lost a hard-fought battle to Georgia Gwinnett in the title match of the NAIA National Championship. The following year, the Eagles finished as conference runners-up and closed out their NAIA tenure with another trip to the NAIA National Championship quarterfinals.
Gotz earned several honors for her accomplishments on the court and in the classroom during her time at Embry-Riddle. She was a two-time NAIA All-American and was named an ITA All-American as a junior. She also earned All-Conference recognition twice and was part of The Sun Conference Doubles Team of the Year in partnership with Hui-I Huang. A two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-Conference selection, Gotz graduated from Embry-Riddle with her undergraduate degree in Communication with a minor in Computer Science in 2016. |
Why did you choose Embry-Riddle?
To some extent, I feel like Embry-Riddle chose me. I was first at Western Michigan University (WMU), but it turned out I wasn't eligible for Division 1. Searching for a different university competing in NAIA, my coach from WMU suggested Embry-Riddle since he knew Coach Paschal. When I went on my official visit and learned more about Embry-Riddle, the welcoming team and the high quality educational offering convinced me.
What's your fondest memory about your time as an ERAU student-athlete?
The whole experience of match day: Traveling as a team, warming up together, fighting together, cheering on each other, and finishing the day with dinner together.
Who had the biggest influence on you during your athletic career?
Definitely my team. Before coming to the U.S., tennis had always been an individual sport to me. Being part of a team that trains, fights, wins, loses and laughs together has changed this perception completely, and I'm thankful for this experience.
What do you remember most vividly about your time at ERAU?
That moment after we had just lost in the finals of the 2014 NAIA nationals 4-5. The whole team sat together, crying our eyes out. It was sad, but at the same time, I felt our team spirit stronger than ever before.
What would you say were your greatest athletic and academic accomplishments during your time at ERAU?
Athletics-wise, I'm most proud of being named NAIA doubles team of the year with my doubles partner Hui-i Huang in 2015. We really had a great season together!
On paper, my greatest academic achievement is probably graduating summa cum laude. However, what is even more important for me now, looking back, is that I realized what I really want to do in life (and what not) and switched majors accordingly.
What was your favorite non-athletics activity at ERAU?
If I had to pick one, it would probably be the trip to Busch Gardens with the International Student Programming Council (ISPC). It's really difficult to pick just one activity, though, because the various organizations on campus hosted so many great events throughout my studies.
What did you do right after graduating from ERAU?
I did an internship at AdNovum, a software company in Zurich, Switzerland, as a Technical Writer / Business Analyst. I also moved in with my then-boyfriend (now fiancé) who I met at Embry-Riddle. (He was also on the tennis team.)
Tell us a little bit about what you're doing now.
After the internship at AdNovum, I was offered a full-time position there as a Business Analyst. Almost five years and a master's degree later, I'm still there and enjoying it!
How did your experience at ERAU shape your career path?
As already briefly mentioned above, I switched majors during my time at ERAU (from software engineering to communication with a computer science minor). I was inspired by the experiences I had in class and outside, talking to professors and fellow students. This combination of skills led me on the path I'm on today, working in a position I truly enjoy.
What are some lessons you learned at ERAU that have served well in your life after college?
Athletics had a big impact on me, teaching me skills that are valuable beyond athletics - team work, time management, and self-confidence, to name just a few.
What advice do you have for ERAU's current student-athletes?
Study hard and even late at night, if needed, but not when you have early morning practice
 My experience at Embry-Riddle wouldn't have been the same without my amazing team - shout-out to you all!  |
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