By Stephanie Carlson ’21
Associate Editor and Sports Editor
Photo credit: goforesters.com
Senior tennis player and women’s tennis co-captain, Leeza Bodnar, from Orland Park, Illinois is currently majoring in finance with a double minor in Spanish and digital media. With the spread of COVID-19 ending her final season as a collegiate athlete, Bodnar is heartbroken that her career was cut short. Stentor staff interviewed Bodnar about her plans after college and how the cancellation of spring sports has affected her and her teammates.
Stentor: Where are you from and why did you choose Lake Forest College?
Bodnar: “I am from Orland Park, Illinois which is about an hour south from the College. I chose Lake Forest College because I knew when I took my first step on campus that it was going to be home for the next four years. I had many other options I was looking at, but when I thought about it in the long run, it was good to be close to home if anything ever happened. Also, Lake Forest College had so many incentives that made it more attractive to me. Overall, I know I made the right choice.”
Stentor: Have you participated in any internships or jobs while in college?
Bodnar: “I [did]not participate in any internships [during]school, but I did have small jobs the past few summers at Baird and Warner Real Estate and Erik Nelson’s State Farm Agency. It was nice to get an inside look at each of the companies. I possibly might want to work at their corporate offices, but we’ll see. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do, since I haven’t found anything yet that has piqued my interest.”
Stentor: What are your plans after college?
Bodnar: “With this whole coronavirus thing happening, my plans are kind of on hold right now, but I would like to try and become a financial analyst. I know that I need to work my way up to that position, so I am currently looking for starting positions at the companies I have been looking at. I don’t have any positions currently lined up for myself, but I do have a lot of connections I can reach out to.
Stentor: How long have you been playing tennis?
Bodnar: “I have been playing tennis since I was 11, so for about 10 years. I played a lot of sports growing up and actually started by playing soccer for seven years until I realized how much more passionate I was about tennis. I worked really hard to get where I am today, since I started so late, but I do not regret all the long hours of practice I endured to be able to play on a college team.”
Stentor: What made you want to play for a college team?
Bodnar: “I knew that my career wasn’t going to be over when I graduated high school, so I reached out to a few schools and had a couple of coaches scout me [after]my doubles partner and I qualified for state three years in a row. When I realized I could continue my career for another four years, it was like music to my ears. I love this sport with all my heart, and I love playing competitively. I get so much adrenaline every time I step on that court and, honestly, I [wouldn’t] have it any other way.
Stentor: What was your favorite part of being a member of the Lake Forest College tennis team?
Bodnar: “My favorite part [was]definitely my teammates and coaches. The bond that I have built with them is so special to me and is what made every practice, match, and trip 10 times better. Every day I looked forward to seeing all of their faces, because they were always the people to cheer me up if I was ever having a bad day. They have all taught me so many valuable lessons and helped shape me into who I am today. They are like a second family to me and I am going to miss them more than anything.”
Stentor: What was it like to find out that your final college season ended so abruptly?
Bodnar: “I still hate talking about it to this day, [and]it was definitely a heartbreaker. Knowing that my last match was going to be on our spring break trip wasn’t the way I had planned to end my season, but I am so thankful that I was able to have all my teammates there with me when I did. When I finished my last match that night, I broke down into tears when my teammates and both of my coaches approached me and gave me hugs. I knew that even though my career was over, the memories and relationships I’ve built over my four years weren’t. I appreciate everything that this school has given me, and I cannot wait to see our team play from outside the court.”
Stentor: Do you plan on continuing your tennis career in any way?
Bodnar: “I was thinking of joining a few women’ leagues out in the city, because I don’t think I want to quit. Tennis is a lifelong sport and it is something I devoted my heart and soul to for years. Just because I can’t play for a school anymore doesn’t mean I can’t play for my own satisfaction.”
Stentor: How has the team adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic?
Bodnar: “I think the team handled it pretty well. We were all really bummed out because we had a chance of qualifying for Nationals again this year and we were so ready to go and play in the conference tournament, but we’ve come to terms with it. We all had a feeling it was going to happen, since so many other schools were shutting down, so it wasn’t much of a surprise—but it wasn’t good news to hear. I know that after all of this is over that my teammates can’t wait to get back on the court and make some more history for themselves. Even though I won’t be a part of the team anymore, I will always be there watching them.”
