Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1220922
37 I n 2019, University of Iowa freshman Samantha Mannix was thrown into the fire to compete at the top singles and doubles positions. Not an easy ask for someone adjusting to competing at a collegiate level, but for Mannix — fresh off achieving four undefeated high school seasons (114-0) — it was just another challenge to which she could rise. at is what she did. Mannix put together 32 wins across singles and doubles her rookie season. Fast forward one year and the Elkhorn, Nebraska, native is ready for more challenges. "It's definitely a big difference going from freshman to sophomore year," Mannix said. "Freshman year, it's just like, 'Well you're a freshman, yeah you can play really well, you know you have a little bit of leeway.' Once you get into sophomore year, you have established yourself and like working with the team we're all equal members. It's exciting to get comfortable with everybody and see how the team works." e first challenge for Mannix came sooner than expected. Aer a summer of building confidence, she was injured aer only one tournament in the fall. "e fall actually felt like I played well. Elise (van Heuvelen Treadwell) and I went to All-Americans, and we lost a close one. I got a win under my belt in singles. I thought I played well," Mannix said. "en the following week I got injured. It was tough; I've never really been injured so much that I couldn't play. It was tough to sit out." e next challenge was to get rehabbed and ready for the regular season. "Over Christmas break and January, I had to kick it into gear and get as much hitting and as much comfort on the court as I could before the season started," Mannix said. "e first three or four matches were tough. I felt like I was a fish out of water, a little bit of awkwardness on court." Finally, it was Mannix's time to shine again. On Feb. 23, with the team score tied at 3-3 and all eyes on the final court, Mannix broke serve twice in the final set to defeat No. 50 Kansas State and give the Hawkeyes their first win over a ranked opponent since 2014. Once again Mannix has her eyes on another challenge, the Big Ten season in front of the Hawkeyes. "It is interesting, as a freshman you don't know anything going into it. You are improvising the whole way through," Mannix said. "Now that I know the whole process, I'm excited to see how it all goes. "With the Big Ten season coming up, I feel like I'm kind of finding my ground. I am excited to see what the team can do." MARCH SCHEDULE March 13 at Indiana March 14 at Purdue March 22 Michigan March 27 Illinois March 29 Northwestern