Minchae Kim: From the Netherlands to Rutgers Tennis

All the way from Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands Rutgers tennis welcomed Minchae Kim “To the Banks” in the fall of 2021. In a short six months, she has proven herself to be a vital addition to the growing team. 

Kim explains the major difference between tennis at Rutgers versus back home and how she views the shift in her mindset. “Junior tennis is really individual and college tennis is about playing for your school and with your team. Even though literally everything felt different and new when I arrived, it felt like a fresh start for new opportunities”, she said.

After using the fall to get comfortable with the culture and atmosphere of college tennis in the States, Kim was ready to positively impact the lineup for the spring. She has seen action in an impressive number of eight singles matches, securing five wins at the fifth and sixth spots. 

Kim has established her dominance as a vital doubles partner at the number one spot with Tess Fisher. She has collected five doubles wins, holding a 5-0 record thus far. 

Recently, Minchae Kim and Tess Fisher nailed a ranking of No.53 in the ITA national rankings. Kim began playing at eight years old and always dreamed of reaching her highest potential. Most American tennis players are eager to go off to a university and achieve a ranking to prove their ability, separating themselves from other student-athletes. 

Kim explains the pure moment of realizing her achievements. “When Tess told me what we accomplished, I was so happy, but I did not have much knowledge on rankings to begin with. My parents were definitely really excited to see I was doing good and proud of me, but they didn't know much about them either”.

Most young, ambitious, and award-hungry athletes have specific goals when entering a conference with an incredible strength like the Big Ten holds. Working towards certain objectives and accolades creates a competitive and desirable realm. 

Kim was unaware of where her talent and hard work would lead her which makes this stepping stone of an achievement all the more impressive and inspiring. She exudes love for Rutgers tennis, competition, and the newfound comradery that the sport has brought her. 

Kim candidly shared what her thoughts were prior to stepping on campus. She said, “Before coming to Rutgers, I was very nervous and also a little concerned to see what I could do. Honestly, I do not know what my expectations were with the level of tennis”.

Even with her recent success, she has not changed her modest tune, “After playing a few matches in the lineup, I still feel like I have a lot of improving to do in these upcoming years”. The Rutgers tennis team desires this type of attitude within its teammates, so that there is a consistent energy working towards growth.

As Kim rounds out her non-conference matches, she will be focusing on further developing her slice, dropshot, heavy balls, volleys, and variety on her serve. She will be working to diversify her abilities to keep her opponents on their toes. 

Make sure to tune into Rutgers Tennis matches to keep up with Minchae Kim, along with the rest of her teammates. The season is young, as they approach Big Ten play in the upcoming week.