Introducing California State University, Stanislaus’ (Stan State) two newest tennis players, Jaella Conway and Cassidy Ferrell.
The duo have begun their Stan State collegiate careers with a bang under the circumstances of managing the transition to a new school.
Conway (junior, Human Services) is a transfer student from Grossmont Community College near the San Diego area. While at Grossmont, Conway played on their tennis team in 2014 and 2015.
Ferrell (freshman, Kinesiology), an honors student, also calls San Diego her home. While in high school she played tennis for all four years and was influenced by her mother, who was a professional tennis player.
The heat in Turlock is normal for the women compared to San Diego weather and while transitioning to Stan State, the tennis athletes brought the heat with them.
“I wanted to start with a win so bad,” Ferrell said. “I got really nervous an hour before my first match in the tournament but once I saw that my opponent didn’t have a good backhand I got more confident.”
Both Ferrell and Conway advanced to Round 16 in the United States Tennis Association/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Regional Championships at Cal State Los Angeles that took place Oct. 1 through Oct. 3.
As far as transferring to Stan State from a junior college, Conway is confident about the transition.
“It’s nice how it’s more competitive here and the level is different,” Conway said. “Everyone plays at a different level so that helps everyone improve.”
When asked about the comparison between playing in high school and Stan State, Ferrell dropped her shoulders as a sign of relief.
“Everyone makes you feel like a team and it’s a family atmosphere,” Ferrell said.
 “It’s the reason why I chose to come here [Stan State]…I can go up to anyone with my problems and I feel comfortable around anyone. I can be me, be my funny quirky self.”
For support, the duo appreciates their coaches.
“Having my coach and assistant coach [Verek Visaraga and McKenzy Harden] on the sidelines talking to me really helps me in the game,” Ferrell said. “He [Visaraga] really cares about us.”
In regards to long-term goals, Conway has a few she would like to tackle within her collegiate career.
“As a team we want to strive to be in the top 25 in the nation but for myself I’d like to be playing in the top three,” Conway said.
Starting out as a freshman, Ferrell is striving to become a better athlete by improving on giving a variety of swings to her opponents in order to throw them off.
Watch Conway and Ferrell build their collegiate reputation in their upcoming season.
Stan State’s Women’s Tennis team will play in the Dominican Tournament in San Rafael over the weekend of Oct. 16 through the 18.
Stan State will also host an invitational from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25.