Sophomore Catherine Grotz has overcome a rocky start to American college life and become a central part of the women’s tennis team. According to coach Hans Olsen, she struggled her freshman year to balance tennis and school after moving from Belgium, yet she is now known for her energy and enthusiasm on and off the court.
“Cat brings a lot of energy to the team,” Olsen said. “When she’s on the court she really expresses her excitement, and if you’re playing around her, you can really feel her energy.”
According to junior teammate Neils Barringer, Grotz brings humor and a motherly touch to the team.
“She is so funny, the things she says and the things she does– she has a great sense of humor,” Barringer said. “She is like the mom of the team. Cat watches out for the rest of us.”
That maternal nature and maturity may come from Grotz being well-traveled, she said.
“I have traveled a lot since I was 12,” Grotz said. “Traveling, you have to be alone a lot, and that makes you grow up. Many experiences in my life have made me see the world differently.”
Growing up in Seraing, Belgium, Grotz started playing tennis at age 5. Her tennis career took off from there. She was ranked No. 270 in the world in under-18 singles by the Intercollegiate Tennis Federation. In 2006, Grotz was ranked No. 27 nationally in Belgium. Grotz enrolled at N.C. State for the spring semester of 2007 and posted a 3-7 singles record in her freshman campaign. After adjusting to American life and academics, Grotz is shining as a sophomore, Olsen said, as her singles record (5-1) is tied for the best on the team.
“She fits in well with the team, more so this year,” Olsen said. “She has found her groove with classes, practice and travel. Everything seemed so hectic last year, whereas this year she’s ready to go after things instead of just get through it.”
Still, Grotz said tennis isn’t everything. Education is also very important to her. She is majoring in industrial and organizational psychology and said she wants to get her masters and her PhD.
“She is a very good student,” Olsen said. “English being her second language, getting a 4.0 for her freshman year really shows her work ethic and her commitment to academics.”
Her hard work in school carries over onto the court, as Grotz has a high level of commitment to her tennis as well as her team, according to Barringer
“She comes to practices ready to focus,” Barringer said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Cat not put in 110 percent.”
Grotz’s focus is well received by Olsen, who said she always practices hard.
“She’s a hard worker for us, very focused,” Olsen said. “She is getting more out of practice. We have been working a lot on getting her to come to the net more, use her volley as much as possible in singles, and a serve and volley in doubles.”
Grotz’s “real weapon” on the court is her serve, Olsen said.
“It’s a real weapon,” Olsen said. “She’s left-handed, so it’s very difficult to return her serve.”
Barringer agrees that Grotz’s serve stands out in her game.
“She has a great serve,” Barringer said. “Every time she serves, you know it’s going to be solid.”
Grotz said she loves being a part of the Wolfpack women’s tennis team.
“The best part is the team aspect,” Grotz said. “You’re there for them, and they are there for you.”
