Alumni Corner: Andrea Swick (1992-96)

Portland women's tennis head coach Susie Campbell-Gross will be reaching out to alumni of the program with a running question-and-answer feature for PortlandPilots.com throughout the summer. Coach Campbell-Gross recently caught up with Andrea Swick (1992-96), who graduated with a double major in Marketing and Management and currently resides in Amsterdam.

"Andrea was one of the most important people in my transition as coach at the University of Portland in 1993," Campbell-Gross said. "Andrea was a sophomore at that point and establishing herself as one of the best players in the conference and a leader in the program. The group of girls around her was amazing and all have gone on to do wonderful things in their lives. Andrea was right in the thick of it with that group and they all continue to be great friends. Andrea was a very good tennis player, but what really made her stand out was her competiveness. She was never intimidated by the California schools that dominated the conference at that point and provided confidence to all of her teammates by how she carried herself and her results. My transition as a coach was much smoother thanks to Andrea's leadership and the great group of girls around her. It was a very special time for me being a young coach, as I was not that much older than the players that I was coaching at the time. Andrea, Jill Nickel, Kate Duffy, Paula Taketa continue to be great friends to me and the program."

What would you like people to know about your family at this point in your life?

I married Adam Gagnon (who played tennis for Santa Clara, but don't hold that against him, ha ha) at the University of Portland Chapel of Christ the Teacher and we have a chocolate Labrador named Woody. I have been living in Amsterdam for the past six years and enjoy the European lifestyle and opportunity to travel.


What is your current occupation?

I am the Global Sports Marketing – Head of Tennis for adidas, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. I am responsible for our tennis portfolio which includes: scouting talent, securing (negotiating and signing partners), servicing (making sure our players are wearing the commercially relevant product at the right place at the right time) and celebrating (activating our partners in marketing campaigns, etc.).  In June, I will celebrate 18 years working for adidas – not including my internship the summer of my junior year when I begged to work there for free. I made a 'cold call' to the Sports Marketing Manager for Tennis and she was kind enough to give me the opportunity. I am very fortunate to have a career in sports focusing on my passion and I love going to work every day!


What is your fondest tennis memory at UP?

Our Hawaii road trip.  Probably shouldn't say more than that, but it was a great trip.  Hehe.
 
Another highlight was when a few teammates and I decided to dress up for Halloween and show up at Susie's house unannounced to trick or treat. I am not sure what possessed us to do that, but Susie was having a party and she was wearing a headband, 80's Flashdance-style, so we thought it was her costume because it was in the 90's at this point so people didn't rock a head band anymore….it wasn't a costume!  Until this day we reference Susie's Flashdance headband. Sorry, Coach J.
 
 
What is your fondest memory about UP in general?

It is impossible to say there is only one, but I fondly remember living with one of my teammates, Paula Taketa, in Kenna Hall next to a Ugandan priest, Father Peter. Until this day, I often think of Father Peter and wonder where he is…
 
 
What do you miss most about your college tennis experience?

Easy – everything J.
 
 
If you could give advice to an 18-year-old entering the University of Portland as a tennis player now, what would it be?
 
My advice for incoming freshmen (or any year, for that matter) is to enjoy every day! It is a privilege to play college tennis; the teamwork, support from the University of Portland, teammates and coaches will never be replicated. It is a very special time so make the most of it.  Respect the Program, your teammates, coach and do your best, not only for yourself, but for them and you will have no regrets!
 
 
Are there aspects of your professional life that your experiences as a Division I athlete differentiate you? Maybe give you an advantage over someone who didn't compete at that level as an athlete?
 
Being competitive and the desire to win on court translated into a strong work ethic, focus and confidence.  Dealing with pressure (during matches, juggling classes, social life and a tennis schedule) was good preparation for life after college tennis because pressure is a natural part of professional life.


Do you have a story that you can share that you and your ex-teammates still talk about and laugh about when you get together?
 
There are too many stories to share so it is easiest to say that until this day I am still very close friends with my college teammates and coach, Susie. We often reminisce about our hard work on the tennis court (long road trips, competing and early morning practices) and having fun together, off the court. I hope we will be remembered as the team who trained and competed to the best of our ability and loved practical jokes.  Pickle (Jill Nickel), Pooter (Kate Duffy), Beaver (Paula Taketa) – you are the best! XO.
 
 
Any final thoughts?

A few months ago a watched the women's team play a match in Palm Springs. It was a lot of fun to see them all enjoying their spring break in the sun, playing tennis, and enjoying the team camaraderie. It reminded me of the good old days! I even joined for some frozen yogurt afterwards so thanks, ladies!
 
Last but not least, Susie was (and still is) a great coach, but an even better human being. Thanks, Coach, for all the life lessons along the way and for putting up with us punks back in the day!