TicketsCINCINNATI – Cincinnati Athletics features more than 400 student-athletes who are doing incredible things on and off the field. Some will go pro in sports. Some will go on to do great things in business, medicine or other professional fields. All will be Bearcats for Life. These are their stories.
Cincinnati women's tennis redshirt senior Maria Santilli has excelled on and off the court throughout her time at Cincinnati. Santilli has graduated with a pair of degrees, a bachelor's in accounting with a minor in Insurance and risk management and a master's in business administration accounting. She currently boasts a 3.8 grade point average while she earns a second master's in business administration tax.
On the court, Santilli's leadership has been indispensable as a main contributor in the lineup. She has recorded five singles victories on court three and paired up with teammate Kelli Niehaus to shine at the second doubles position.
Learn more about Santilli below!
What does it mean be one of the leaders on the team this year?
"What being a leader of this team means to me is that you have to lead by example in a multitude of aspects. I always try to put forth my best effort every day so that I can help my team reach our collective goals, both academically and athletically."
This is your last season with the program, what has this season meant to you?
"This last season has meant so much to me. I am so grateful that I was able to come back for a fifth year and compete with the best teammates for one last season, while also continuing my education."
What do you want to accomplish over the rest of the season?
"My goal and our goal as a team is to contend for the American Athletic Conference championship in our last season with the conference."
You have two degrees from Cincinnati and are working on a third, what has the support from the program and support staff been like at Cincinnati?
"I am so grateful for the staff at Cincinnati for helping me perform at a high level on the court and in the classroom. From the professors, academic support staff, coaches and my teammates, everyone at Cincinnati has made my time as a Bearcat a very enjoyable experience."
What has been the most rewarding aspect about of your time at Cincinnati?
"The most rewarding aspect of my time at Cincinnati is seeing the tennis program continue to grow year after year. It is amazing to think that our team has set a new program record, the longest win streak in history, and that we continue to raise the standard of this program."
Why did you choose Cincinnati?
"I chose Cincinnati because of the amazing facilities, supportive coaching staff and strong academics. It was great to be able to compete at the highest level on the court and in the classroom."
What do you like to do when you are not on the court?
"When I am not on the court, I love hanging out with my friends and teammates and exploring the city of Cincinnati. It is a great city with a bunch of amazing things to do."
Who is one of your favorite players growing up and why?
"My favorite player growing up was Simona Halep. She is a Romanian professional tennis player who has won 24 WTA Tour singles titles and two Grand Slams. Aside from the accolades, I admired her tenacity and work ethic on court."
Who is one of your role models outside of the sport and why?
"One of my role models outside of the sport is my grandma. She came to the United States from Italy when she was only 14 years old and is the kindest and hardest working person I know."
Cincinnati women's tennis redshirt senior Maria Santilli has excelled on and off the court throughout her time at Cincinnati. Santilli has graduated with a pair of degrees, a bachelor's in accounting with a minor in Insurance and risk management and a master's in business administration accounting. She currently boasts a 3.8 grade point average while she earns a second master's in business administration tax.
On the court, Santilli's leadership has been indispensable as a main contributor in the lineup. She has recorded five singles victories on court three and paired up with teammate Kelli Niehaus to shine at the second doubles position.
Learn more about Santilli below!
What does it mean be one of the leaders on the team this year?
"What being a leader of this team means to me is that you have to lead by example in a multitude of aspects. I always try to put forth my best effort every day so that I can help my team reach our collective goals, both academically and athletically."
This is your last season with the program, what has this season meant to you?
"This last season has meant so much to me. I am so grateful that I was able to come back for a fifth year and compete with the best teammates for one last season, while also continuing my education."
What do you want to accomplish over the rest of the season?
"My goal and our goal as a team is to contend for the American Athletic Conference championship in our last season with the conference."
You have two degrees from Cincinnati and are working on a third, what has the support from the program and support staff been like at Cincinnati?
"I am so grateful for the staff at Cincinnati for helping me perform at a high level on the court and in the classroom. From the professors, academic support staff, coaches and my teammates, everyone at Cincinnati has made my time as a Bearcat a very enjoyable experience."
What has been the most rewarding aspect about of your time at Cincinnati?
"The most rewarding aspect of my time at Cincinnati is seeing the tennis program continue to grow year after year. It is amazing to think that our team has set a new program record, the longest win streak in history, and that we continue to raise the standard of this program."
Why did you choose Cincinnati?
"I chose Cincinnati because of the amazing facilities, supportive coaching staff and strong academics. It was great to be able to compete at the highest level on the court and in the classroom."
What do you like to do when you are not on the court?
"When I am not on the court, I love hanging out with my friends and teammates and exploring the city of Cincinnati. It is a great city with a bunch of amazing things to do."
Who is one of your favorite players growing up and why?
"My favorite player growing up was Simona Halep. She is a Romanian professional tennis player who has won 24 WTA Tour singles titles and two Grand Slams. Aside from the accolades, I admired her tenacity and work ethic on court."
Who is one of your role models outside of the sport and why?
"One of my role models outside of the sport is my grandma. She came to the United States from Italy when she was only 14 years old and is the kindest and hardest working person I know."