WASHINGTON (June 13, 2023) – Howard University rising junior Media, Journalism, and Film major and Spanish minor
Sareyah Rudd caught up with recent graduate tennis player
Yemisi Ifederu (North London, England) for a quick Q and A session.
Q: What is your favorite part about tennis?
A: My favorite thing about tennis is not only meet great people but also explore the compulsive aspect of life. It has always been something that is helped me connect with other people, especially in the business industry, because tennis is one of those sports that people like to watch and also pick up a racket to play themselves.
Q: How did you get started in tennis?
A: I have always been a daddy's girl (lol). So, my dad played tennis and I would just follow him to the park where he would play with his friends. I eventually got bored of just watching them play, so one day I asked to play, and his friends were like, "You don't even know how to play tennis; why are you trying to play?" And I said, "Okay, well, one day I'm going to learn how to play and I'm going to beat you," and that is exactly what happened (lol).
Q: What kept you motivated to continue tennis?
A: Honestly, it has always been the competitiveness since I was five years old. Also, a lot of my friends played tennis too.
Q: If you were not competing in tennis, what other sport would you play?
A: When I was a kid, I also ran track. I like to run, so maybe track.
I am also interested in starting gymnastics. I would have loved to learn as a child, but that is not big in the UK (United Kingdom).
Q: Who is your favorite athlete, and why?
A: I would definitely say
Serena Williams (Former American Tennis Champion) because she paved the way for people who look like me. Her older sister,
Venus Williams (American Tennis Champion), also paved the way, but she took everything to another level. Serena has always been so dominant and commands respect wherever she goes, it is inspiring.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: So, I have several plans. Currently, I am working full-time at Goldman Sachs in the human capital management division, located in Dallas.
Also, when I was on campus, I had my own business called By.MisiLdn where I did lashes, but I will be expanding to include brow threading. I also started a hair business with my sister called Atarah. So, those two businesses are going to be top priorities.
On top of that, I have always had an interest in real estate and plan on exploring that as well.
I have always wanted to open a Nigerian restaurant in America one day.
Lastly, while I was at Howard, I had a YouTube Channel, so I plan on picking that up post-grad.
Q: What or who will you miss at Howard?
A: I definitely will miss the Howard community because the network and genuineness you find is unmatched. There is no environment like this.
Q: What advice would you give future Bison?
A: I would say take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you. Remember your values, but also explore new adventures and opportunities. If you do not put yourself out there while you are at Howard, you will not get the opportunity to experience everything that Howard has to offer.
Q: Regarding Howard Tennis, what is one thing you want people to know about the program?
A: Howard Tennis is on the brink of great things and people should be expecting big things.
About Ifederu:
- Personal:
- Hometown: North London, England
- Major: International Business
- Concentration: Supply Chain
- Academic Achievements at Howard:
- Magna Cum Laude
- 4x-MEAC Tennis All-Academic Team
- Athletic Achievements at Howard:
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
