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29 A s a young athlete growing up in Iowa City, Iowa, the dream is to play college sports at the University of Iowa. For most, the dream goes unrealized, but one hometown girl is getting her chance to live it out. When Adrienne Jensen was 5-years-old, the Iowa City native ran aer her older sisters into the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, excited for practice with then Iowa assistant women's tennis coach Sasha Schmid. "I used to give a lot of lessons to her older sisters," said Schmid. "When Adrienne was about 5, I started hitting with her. We would hit for probably 20 minutes, because that was really all a 5-year-old could handle. But she was good. She looked forward to it every day." Schmid and the Jensens' relationship on the court soon transitioned off. ey became family friends and formed a bond that hasn't broken. "I was very close with all of her family," Schmid said. "Her mom, dad, and sisters are a wonderful group. I have a great picture of Adrienne sitting on the floor watching me dance with my dad at my wedding." Twelve years later, when it came time to make a college decision, Jensen took her talents to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She posted a team-best 31-11 singles record and earned first- team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors with a 21-13 doubles record. Aer one season, Jensen le Drake and walked away from her tennis career to return home and attend Iowa as a student. "We stayed in touch when I moved away," said Schmid. "When I came back to Iowa, she was leaving Drake and considered coming out, but at that moment it was a difficult time and she was burned out. She felt it was best to focus on being a student." Two years later, Jensen's role on the team has evolved into more than she could have imagined. Because of illness and injury, a roster spot opened and Schmid contacted Jensen to see if she was interested in joining the team. "e deciding factor was Sasha," said Jensen. "I think the world of her as a coach and a person." Jensen's addition to the team has been exciting for herself and family, as well as the team. Schmid says she is a breath of fresh air for the Hawkeyes. "is has been such a wonderful story of life going full circle," Schmid said. "ere is something magical happening. "She always wanted to be a Hawkeye. Watching her walk out in her Hawkeye uniform and play in front of family and friends is incredibly meaningful. I saw her mom in the stands and she had tears in her eyes. e whole thing is so fun. She is excited and I am absolutely grateful." Schmid is happy to see Jensen end her tennis career in a positive way, as a Hawkeye. "It has been fun to get back on the court again," Jensen said. "I'm playing for the love of the game and enjoying every moment." APRIL SCHEDULE April 7 at Maryland April 8 at Rutgers April 14 at Nebraska April 20 Minnesota April 22 Wisconsin April 26-29 at B1G Tournament (Minneapolis)