IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa senior Annette Dohanics closes her Hawkeye career Sunday at 12 p.m. at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. Dohanics, a Pittsburgh native and biology major, graduates in May.
Sunday’s senior ceremony will follow the Iowa’s match against Michigan State. Prior to her final match, she reflected on her career and answered some questions for hawkeyesports.com.
When you revisit campus sometime down the road, what is the one place in town you’ll be sure to visit?
“Definitely Shorts. The food is great, the atmosphere is great. It’s usually my post match meal.”
What is the biggest difference between Netty in 2012, and Netty in 2016?
“Just the maturity. I was afraid as a freshman coming in, being so far away from home. But now I’ve gotten a lot more confident in myself that I can make it on my own. I’ve been in this environment that has given me so much support over the last four years. I’m ready to take on the world now.”
You’re an East Coast girl, what have you found to be the biggest misconception about Iowa?
“That’s there is nothing to do. There is a lot to do here. Iowa City is a college town and I love the atmosphere. I’ve had so much fun the last four years. The people are so nice.”
What would you say about your journey the last four years?
“It’s something that I’m never going to forget and if I had to do the whole thing over again I definitely would. I would choose Iowa every time.”
What will you miss most about this program?
“My teammates. I developed a very good relationship with all of the girls that are here and that have come and gone. Every year, wishing them off is tough. Now it’s my turn, and I’m really going to miss the youngsters.”
You really had to grow up this year. What is the one lasting piece of advice you would give the underclassmen?
“It goes by fast. It goes by too fast, so enjoy every minute of it.”
Do you think they should rename the Grinder Award, the Dohanics Award?
“No. Absolutely not. There have been plenty of grinders and there are definitely more grinders than me on this team. I’ve been fortunate to win that award and I take it with pride.”
What does the future hold for Annette Dohanics?”
“I am going to move back to Pittsburgh and will work as an intern at a law firm, and hopefully I’ll move on to law school after that.”