March 10, 2005

By Roland Hu, USD Media Relations

Junior Lauren Perl has been an integral member of the University of San Diego women's tennis team from the moment she first stepped onto the courts at Alcalá Park. The 5-8 right-hander did not have to travel far to play collegiate tennis, as she hails from San Diego and attended nearby Torrey Pines High School. Ranked No. 24 in the preseason Western Regional ITA Singles Poll, Perl has occupied mainly the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the singles line-up and teams up with Emma Murphy at No. 2 in doubles. Before the Toreros took on the University of San Francisco on Friday, March 11, the Communications major sat down with Roland Hu for a Q & A session.

1. How did you spend your summer?

I took two summer school classes at USD and then my boyfriend and I went on vacation together. We went to Palm Springs and then, he's from Dallas, so I went back to Dallas with him for Fourth of July. We spent about a week there. And then I worked with kids at a tennis camp back at my tennis club at home. I just relaxed and hung out with my family.

So what's there to do in Palm Springs? I mean isn't it just full of old people?

You know, it's so relaxing. When I am at home, I either working or at school and I've always loved Palm Springs. My family has been going there since I was little for vacations. I think its just a relaxing place and it's always warm there so its fun.

Was it really hot when you were in Dallas?

Yeah, it was. It was very hot there. But it was a nice break. San Diego doesn't get that hot, but it was nice. To be able to go out at night and still be warm, that was nice.

What was your favorite thing about Dallas?

I noticed the people in Texas, at least in Dallas, are really nice and friendly. I guess it's the whole Southern hospitality thing. I just had fun. I got to see a lot of places that I've never seen before and some of the things we did were fun. It's just different from here and it was a nice break.

2. So you grew up in San Diego. Most people after high school are looking to get away from home. What about USD made you want to stay here?

First of all, I loved Sherri and the team when I first met them. I knew I didn't want to go too far from San Diego. I mean you can't get much better than San Diego. I'm really close to my family. I have a sister, who is a junior in high school and she also plays tennis. I wanted to be around and stay close to my family. I feel at home here.

Do you sometimes get envious of friends who are studying back East or in some other big city, just because it is something different and it is not home?

No, I've never been envious of that. I knew that I probably wouldn't like being so far away from home. I've always been the homebody type of person. I've gotten a little jealous of my friends who have been able to go abroad this past semester. Because I play tennis, I can't go, but I made a deal with myself that after I graduate, I'm going to go to Europe and travel around.

3. That's kind of appropriate that you brought that up because my next question is you are about to go on a European backpacking trip for three months. What are three essential items you will need to survive?

Oh wow... let's see. I would definitely need some form of a way to get tea. I am obsessed with drinking tea. So maybe I'd bring a kettle and some tea bags? I'd probably need my I-Pod. I mean the flight would be so long. I've got to have my music with me because that would keep me company.

What do you currently have playing on your I-Pod?

It's kind of a blast from the past, but it's called "Show Me Love," by Robyn. She was kind of a one-hit wonder and I don't know why I'm obsessed with that song. I just think the beat is really uplifting and it is a fun song.

What would be the third thing you'd bring?

I would have to say my boyfriend. We are planning on taking this trip together anyway and I would love to share the time with him. I think it would make it a lot more fun.

Since you already have an idea that you do want to go to Europe, what countries or sights do you want to see?

I would love to go to every country, to go to Rome, Paris and I definitely want to stop by Ireland because of Emma [Murphy]. She makes it sound like it is so awesome! I just want to go to as many countries as I can.

4. It is 3 A.M. and you can't go to bed. What would you pop into your DVD player or VCR?

Probably any season of Sex and the City on DVD.

So I take it that it was your favorite TV show?

Yes it was. I was so upset when it ended, but it gives me more free time on Sunday nights because I'm not glued to the TV!

What character did you identify with the most?

Probably Carrie because she was so well rounded. She was never caught up in one aspect of her life more than the other. She was smart and fun... I always just liked her the best.

What other types of TV shows or movies do you like?

In terms of movies, I like the easy-going, easy-to-understand type. I never really liked movies like Troy or Saving Private Ryan, the grueling, intense movies. I like more the Meet the Parents type of movies. More comedy.

What's your favorite movie that you can think of?

You know, I don't think I have one favorite movie, but let's see...

Or, what was the most recent movie you've seen?

It was Meet the Fockers and I loved it.

Now you say you don't have a favorite movie, but do you have a movie that you absolutely hated?

The only movie that I've ever walked out of was Snatch. I hated that movie and I don't know why!

Even though Brad Pitt was in it?

Yes, even though he was in it. I was falling asleep and I hated it. I just walked right out. I've never walked out of a movie since then.

5. So what do you think of Valentine's Day: a true day of romance or just another Hallmark holiday?

I think for some, it's a day of romance and for others, it's a Hallmark holiday. For me, it is a day of romance because Valentine's Day just happens to be my one-year anniversary with my boyfriend. It is a very special day for us. So for me, it's a day of romance, but I know in the past, I've looked at it as a Hallmark holiday. If you are not in a relationship...

So basically, if you are single, it's a Hallmark holiday and if you are in a relationship...

Well even if you are single, you can make it a fun day. It's a great excuse to eat chocolates, hang out with your friends and watch romantic movies.

What is the most romantic thing anyone has done for you?

I've had quite a few romantic things done for me, but I think the one that tops it off was not this past Valentine's Day, but last year's Valentine's Day, instead of going to some fancy-schmancy restaurant, my boyfriend took me down to the harbor in downtown and set up a candlelight picnic right in front of the water. It was such a surprise and it was the most romantic dinner I've had in my entire life, better than any restaurant that I've been to. It was so cute.

So he cooked for you?

Actually, he picked up food, but he got a tablecloth, a picnic basket and some candles... the whole deal. He cooks for me all the time because I am the world's worst cook. I don't even try cooking.

You are only minutes away from home, so it's not like you really need to...

Yeah, we go to my house for dinner quite a lot. My mom is a great cook. I don't really need to know how!

So I understand your parents are from South Africa. Does your mom make some good South African dishes?

Not really. I was actually born there too. But she cooks just normal food.

6. If you were stuck on a stranded island, name three people who you would want with you? And you can't name family, friends or the boyfriend, because we all know those are copout answers...

I would bring my two dogs, Blainey and Abby, because they are the cutest, most fun animals. And... god that's a hard question. I've never thought about that question before and I have no idea who else I would bring.

Well technically, dogs aren't people, so you still have three more people to name... Should we just come back to that question? Yeah, let's do that.

7. Who is your favorite Torero athlete to watch?

Definitely Emma [Murphy], my teammate because she fights for every single ball, every single point and doesn't give up. Her matches are so much fun to watch. I would get done with my match and then I would go and watch hers because hers take hours to finish.

Do you find it funny then that her opponents have described her game as boring, since she beats the crap out of them?

I don't think she's boring at all. I can see how people would think it is boring, but I think it's very interesting.

Do you follow any other sports, besides tennis?

I watch a lot of sports on TV. I follow most of the sports at USD - basketball, football, soccer, golf... I just like all sports.

Who is your favorite overall athlete to watch in general, aside from Emma?

I would have to say Andy Roddick because his game is so well-rounded and he just has so much fire on the court. He never wants to lose a point and it's cool to watch how fired up he is for everything.

8. What CD are you embarrassed to admit that you own?

Ok, I have a few that I am embarrassed to admit, but I own every single Backstreet Boys CD that ever came out.

Now are you kind of regretting it?

No, I don't regret it. I am just embarrassed when people are looking through my car and my CD book... but I don't regret it! I still listen to a couple of them.

So are you into all boy bands or just the Backstreet Boys?

No, I'm a fan of all boy bands! I loved N'Sync and I loved O-Town... I wish they would all come back and make more music together, instead of Justin [Timberlake] just doing his own thing.

Did you like 98 Degrees?

Oh yeah, I loved them.

Are you a faithful fan of The Newlyweds?

Well, I was obsessed with The Newlyweds and I do catch myself watching it sometimes, but it starts to annoy me after awhile and I have to make myself turn it off. I just think I know too much about their lives where I just have to stop watching!

So basically, you'd rather focus on your life rather than theirs?

Exactly! It's so easy to get sucked in. You can read about them in US Weekly, so... they are just entertaining to watch.