Dabu came to the Bronx from County Prep High School in Jersey City, N.J., where she had a career record of 76-3. (Photo Courtesy of Fordham Athletics)
The Fordham Ram: What made you choose Fordham?
Angie Dabu: Fordham is actually the only school I looked at and applied to. I knew of the coach because she recently was hired, and I had played with her daughter at the National Tennis Center Courts when I was growing up. So, I felt that connection was strong and I visited the campus and really liked it. I also chose it because it was close to home, and a lot of my family lives in the city, which was really important to me in choosing where I would go to school.
TFR: In your career at Fordham, you’ve excelled in doubles competition. Do you prefer it over singles?
AD: At first I really did because doubles is really fun, but I would say that it’s equal because the more I’ve played singles matches, I’ve learned a lot about myself and have proven so much to myself. So, I wouldn’t say I prefer it, but I definitely enjoy it.
TFR: You have had a lot of success with your doubles partner, Julie, over the past few seasons. What is it about both your styles of play that works so well as a pair?
AD: I really like to poach, which is volleying, and Julie sets me up really well. We have the ability to set each other up really well, and we just have this chemistry that I don’t really know how to explain. We have so much fun out on the court together, so it helps us stay positive even when we’re not necessarily winning. At the end of everything, we just have fun together.
TFR: As one of two seniors on a smaller team, do you feel as though you’ve taken on more of a leadership role this year?
AD: Yes, and I am also a captain of the team this year, in addition to Hanna (Fritzinger), who is the other senior. But, I feel as if all of the girls have an equal voice on the team, which is good. But in certain situations, yes, I feel like I have to step up, which in key matches like we’ve had already, has been important.
TFR: In four years, what is the best memory you have at Fordham on the court?
AD: I would say this one particular match I played at an invitational, because I played this girl that I had never beat in my junior career playing Sectionals in the east. We had split sets, and I was down like six match points, and it was so intense. There were so many people watching, even girls we grew up playing against, because a lot of the local girls go to schools around here. And I ended up pulling it out, which was a really good feeling. I didn’t even know I had it in me. So, the one time I beat her in college was really, really good.
TFR: What are you looking forward to in your final spring season? Has it hit you that this will be your last season as a Ram?
AD: I’ve been thinking about it a lot actually. It makes me sad because I’m such good friends with the girls on the team, so I don’t really want it to end. But, hopefully we could have a really good season. We’re projected to finish fifth in the (Atlantic-10) conference. All of our goals are to win the A-10 no matter what, because we don’t think we’re that far off from anyone else.
