INTRODUCTION: Tennis is a thinking-person's game. First-year Shreya Mandalapu believes correct analysis between points and games will lead to success. Rochester's reputation as a research institution drew her interest. She is majoring in neuroscience with an interesting minor: music.

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When did you first become involved in tennis? Was it in Boca Raton?
I first started tennis when I was around 12. However, it was not in Boca Raton. I was living in India at the time.
 
What attracted you to the sport?
 I loved how strategic tennis is. It plays a huge factor in the outcome of the game. I think tennis players are incredibly intelligent. 
 
Boca is just north of Miami on the ocean side. When does it get too warm to play outdoors?
 Boca gets really hot in the summer around July and August, but indoor courts are very rare, so we always play outside. 
 
Were your high school matches restricted to the Southeast corner of Florida? Did you ever get over to the Gulf Coast to play, or maybe in the Keys?
My high school tennis team played a lot of schools in the Southeast but towards the end of the season, there were also competitions towards the Gulf Coast and outside of Florida. 
 
As you were learning to play tennis, what was the easiest part to master?
 I don't think any part of tennis is easy. It depends a lot on the person. For me, while I don't think I have mastered it, serves were something that I was able to understand faster. 
 
And what was the toughest part to master? How did you eventually accomplish that?
 The toughest part to master in tennis is the mental aspect of it. A big part of tennis is how you think and react in between points. It is something I am still learning to master but something that helps me is talking to myself and thinking about my next move.
 
Is there a key to getting an ace on a regular basis?
 I do not think there is one key factor to getting an ace regularly. For me, the main thing is to keep a clear head. If I just focus on the stroke and not the outcome, then it will usually lead to better results. 
 
Between serves, can you read your opponent's thoughts based on their facial expressions?
 It depends on the opponent, but oftentimes, I can see how my opponent is feeling through their behavior and emotions. 
 
When you are home, do you work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
I have not worked with any youth programs back at home, but I do tutor students in elementary and middle school. Online school can be very challenging for young students and while I only contribute a little, I think the club I am apart of on a whole is helping the students a lot. 
 
What led you to the University of Rochester?
What mainly led me to the University of Rochester was how researched-focused the school is. As a STEM major and pre-med student, that was an aspect I knew I wanted in a University. 
 
You are majoring in Neuroscience. Why does that appeal to you?
I think studying how the brain thinks and functions is fascinating. I'd love to learn more about the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system and how it affects illness, behavior, and cognition.
 
Will you become involved in any campus groups tied to your studies?
 I am part of the BCS and Neuroscience council but I would love to join more groups to further my interests.
 
When will you begin classes specifically tied to your major?
 I will begin taking Neuroscience classes in my sophomore year.
 
You are also minoring in Music. What is your concentration?
 I am mostly concentrating on voice. 
 
How long have you been singing? Do you play any instruments?
I have been singing ever since I can remember but I've been taking lessons since I was 10. I also play the piano a little. 
 
Are your classes at the Eastman School of Music? Which classes pertain to your minor? 
I am taking voice lessons that were originally at Eastman School of Music, but because of COVID, the lessons are online.  The minor consists of classes such as music theory, chorus ensembles, and musicianship.
 
Have you performed publicly?
I have performed publicly before. It's my favorite part about music. I remember the first time I performed in front of an audience was for my third-grade talent show. I was so nervous to sing in front of everyone, but once I started, I didn't want to stop.