Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Madison Liu, New Trier tennis

Madison Liu is a senior for the Trevians who is a three-time sectional champion and two-time state medalist.

1. Do you have any prematch rituals or superstitions?

I’m not very superstitious, but I do like to listen to music sometimes before my matches. (The type) kind of depends. I like to listen to a mix of everything.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

Next year I hope to play college tennis and play at a good (Division I) school and join a great team and get a good education. I’m hoping to decide soon about where going to end up.

3. What is your dream job?

Probably a chef. I feel like that would be a really cool and fun job. I enjoy cooking and baking a lot in my free time. I think I picked it up during COVID.

4. What is your best dish?

Probably lasagna. I think I make really good lasagna.

5. When did you start to really get into tennis?

I started when I was about 6 years old, but I was primarily a figure skater growing up. I guess I switched more into tennis probably when COVID hit, which was eighth grade and freshman year. I converted to tennis more because it was very COVID safe.

6. How have you grown since freshman year?

I think I’ve grown as a person in general. I think I’ve definitely learned how to be a good teammate. Playing before New Trier, a lot of my tennis was very individual. Playing on the New Trier team taught me how to be a good teammate and a good leader as well. I was lucky enough to be captain of the team my junior and senior years. I’ve grown as a leader in general.

7. What is your favorite thing to do off the court?

Off the court I like to spend time with my family and friends in my spare time. I like to go to the beach with my friends. I also like to go shopping and watch movies.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

Probably some sort of candy. I like gummies in general, either gummy bears or Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Fish.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I guess some people don’t know I have a twin brother, which is pretty cool because I got to grow up with someone my age. We have a good relationship and a good bond.

10. What is important to you and your team’s success in the postseason?

Practice in general is pretty important. After the high school tennis season, practicing will help develop my game. Good matches and help me develop. As an individual I really hope to win the singles draw as well as the team aspect. I really really want the team to win. I’m going to get good competition and the team will get good competition, but I think (state will) be really fun and I think we’ll do great. I’m really looking forward to it.

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