Women's Tennis Signee Looks to be Cool Under Pressure
If pressure makes diamonds, Misa Malkin is going to be quite a gem. The South Carolina women’s tennis signee for next fall is ranked as the 20th recruit in the nation, and she’s excited about competing against the best at the next level.
“What I love about the game is that I love the pressure. The pressure is everything to me,” said Malkin, who lives in Tucson, Ariz. “Pressure is privilege. Being able to compete in this kind of sport, it’s just always been something that is a part of my life. Since day one, there was no question about it. I started playing tennis when I was five. I love the game so much.”
Originally from Japan, Malkin moved to Arizona when she was in the second grade. She’s not concerned about making another long trek as she prepares for the next stage of her education and tennis career.
“My dad is from Arizona, so for me it wasn’t too difficult (leaving Japan) because I was so young,” Malkin said. “Living there really shaped who I am, so I’m really grateful for that. I even played tennis back there, and I never stopped playing.
“My defensive game is really good. I’ve been a counter puncher all of my junior career. I’m really pushing and working towards trying to stay more aggressive. Talking with (head coach) Kevin (Epley), I think that’s what I’ll be working on in college as well.”
“Now I get to play for something that is so much bigger than me.”
While there was plenty of interest from other schools, Malkin had many reasons for choosing to be a Gamecock.
“Kevin (Epley) and (assistant coach) Ty (Schaub) are probably the best coaches I’ve talked to,” Malkin said. “Coach Kevin has created such a well-disciplined team. When I visited the campus, I just fell in love with how he created this environment of professionalism and staying relentless.
“Since day one, I wanted to go to South Carolina. When Coach Ty sent me information about South Carolina, I couldn’t stop reading about it. I kept going online to research it. It seemed like such a dedicated program. That had the biggest impression on me. Everyone is authentic on and off the court. It doesn’t matter. They want what’s best for you, and they go above and beyond with that dedication.”
Malkin compares her game to Romanian professional Simona Halep and hopes her time at South Carolina will help her reach the professional circuit down the road.
“I would say we have similar game styles. I just want to be able to work as hard as she does and try to get even better than she is. South Carolina would be such a great pathway to becoming a professional tennis player. Looking up to her, she has this relentless style. That’s what I love about tennis and her.”
Having spent much of her tennis career playing as an individual, Malkin is excited about wearing the garnet and black and furthering her career while also being a part of a team.
“Growing up, I never had a team,” Malkin said. “So, now I get to play for something that is so much bigger than me. It’s not about me. It’s about everyone else. It’s about supporting one another and playing for something that’s greater than me.
“I’m looking forward to the team. The girls on the team are so genuine. Being around a group of girls that have the same passion for one sport is great. It’s crazy! There are so many girls on the team, and I think we’ll feed off of each other so well. I’m really looking forward to that.”
