Courtesy of Coppin State Athletic Communication
A four-year letterwinner on the Coppin State women's tennis team, Ajla Hrnjic has been a mainstay in the Eagles lineup with five singles wins and four doubles victories. A 2017 and 2018 recipient of her team's Unsung Hero Award, Hrnjic also received Coppin's 2018 Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award for possessing the top cumulative grade point average for all Eagles student-athletes.
Why did you choose Coppin State?
A family friend worked at Coppin State at the time, and both Coppin State Athletics and the Department of Natural Sciences offered to me what I was looking for. It worked out for me. In fact, it was a perfect fit.
What is your Major and what would you like to do with it after graduation?
My major is biology, and after my graduation I am planning to pursue a Master's Degree in Biology at Towson University.
Are there any professors, faculty or staff members at Coppin that have made a lasting impact on you (Who & Why)?
Honestly, many! I will never forget how nice and caring all people at Coppin were to me. It is a very small, but close-knit school. From my coaches, along with most of my professors, to the staff in the school's cafeteria that I would see daily, I really can't pick anyone. Four years is a long time and everybody made their own impact on me.
Did you play any other sports growing up and what made you decide on tennis? Who were your favorite athletes growing up and why?
I played many sports growing up, but tennis always had a special place in my heart. Also, my performance was the best in tennis. My favorite athlete growing up was Serena Williams. She inspired me because she was always unapologetic about her strength and ability.
What was your favorite memory from playing tennis at Coppin State?
I have so many life-time memories that playing tennis for Coppin State brought to my life. My favorite memories from the court are my first personal win and the time when my team and I beat Delaware State. I have to mention the time when our coach took us to Manhattan before playing our match in Brooklyn. For a kid from a third world country, the moment of seeing Times Square was unforgettable.
Is there anything that you have learned so far in regards to this global epidemic with COVID-19 and will it cause you to change anything in your life?
I learned that personal hygiene is the most important. I am trying to stay inside as possible and just be careful. Other than that, nothing changed. I live a very peaceful life.
What are songs that are on your Quarantine Playlist?
I listen to Bosnian music. However, an American song that I really like is Memories by Maroon 5.
The NCAA Committee is recommending that eligibility relief be provided to all student-athletes who participate in spring sports. What would getting an extra year to play tennis mean to you?
It would be fair to get an extra year. Personally, I am planning to graduate in May and that means that I would have to say goodbye to my Division I tennis career either way. However, it would mean a lot to me because many of my teammates and friends would definitely use that extra year.