A weekly Q&A with Baylor's student-athletes
February 16, 2006
BEAR FACTS Archive
Iva Mihaylova
Tennis
Junior
When did you start playing your sport?
I was 8 years old.
Who has had the greatest impact on your career?
My father
What is the best part of being a college athlete?
Learning how to work as a team
If you weren't playing the sport you are now, which sport would you want to play?
Volleyball
After meeting coach Scrivano, what was you first thought?
Practices were going to be tough.
What is the most unique item in your locker?
I'm the only player on the team with hangers.
Who are your favorite sports heroes?
Steffi Graf
What athlete did you imitate when you were a kid?
My father wanted me to serve like Steffi Graf.
Where is your favorite place to go after a game/event?
Home, to relax and go to bed.
What is the best venue you have ever played in?
I feel the best here on Baylor's court.
What is the highlight of your sports career?
The highlight that helped me come here to Baylor was winning the finals in Bulgaria when I was being recruited.
What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
When I was 13 or 14 I lost to a girl who was 3 years younger than me.
What opposing school do you most look forward to competing against?
Stanford and Texas.
Why did you choose to attend Baylor?
It's a small school, everyone is so nice, and a lot of my teammates are from Europe. So I knew I would get along with everyone.
What's the most important thing you've learned as a Baylor athlete?
There is no such thing as an easy day of practice.
What has been your favorite class at Baylor?
Small Group Communications
What single thing will you most miss about Baylor when you leave?
My teammates and coaches
Who is your all-time favorite Baylor athlete?
Jeremy Wariner
What CD is in your player right now?
A burned CD my boyfriend made for me.
What is the last movie you watched?
Dirty Dancing
What is one thing you must pack when traveling?
A cross that my grandmother gave me from Bulgaria
As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?
College is a lot of work, and you can get a really good education.
What is your favorite fast food?
I don't eat fast food, but does ice cream count?
What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Leaving Bulgaria and my parents to come to Baylor.
Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you.
I'm a vegetarian.
Name one thing you can't go a week without.
Ice cream.
What is your dream job?
I want to be a journalist and write for the paper.
What's your most valued possession?
A cross my Grandmother gave me from Bulgaria
Playstation 2 or Xbox?
I don't play video games.
Movies or TV?
Movies
MTV or ESPN?
MTV
Inflatable Judge or Bruiser?
Inflatable Judge
Burger or Pizza?
Neither
Penland or Memorial?
Penland
Sandals or Shoes?
Shoes
Cars or Trucks?
Cars
compiled by Luke Blount, Athletic Media Relations student assistant
