Spirtovic starting legacy
By Kimberly Hunter
TNE Writer

Emina Spirtovic is a Sweden native, a 5-foot-9 sophomore and a sight to see on the tennis courts. She is the ultimate tennis player and can only get better.
“I’ve played tennis for 10 years,”said Spirtovic.
Spirtovic may only be a sophomore but she plays like a professional. She is a committed athlete. She always makes sure she does everything right in practice and then lets her work do the talking.
“She is dedicated to the game,” said Valerie McKinney, Claremore sophomore.
Spirtovic was influenced by coach Ron Cox to come here. It was his positive attitude about everything that made her realize that this was the college she should be at. It was a good decision she made and so far she has been well pleased with her choice.
Before every game most players have some kind of ritual they do. It may be reading the Bible and praying, watching TV or a certain movie or even doing some meditating. Spirtovic does her preparation a little differently.
“I stretch and always have to have my music on,” said Spirtovic. “That helps me relax.”
Her relaxation therapy has really proved to be helpful. In her last match, she and her partner, Zuzanna Osinska, Warsaw, Poland, junior, won 7-0, winning both their doubles and singles.
Since her freshmen year, Spirtovic has been well known for being such a talented tennis. Her first year here, she won the Lone Star Conference Tournament. What makes her such a great athlete is her willingness to better herself and her teammates.
“I enjoy playing with her,” said McKinney. “She is very encouraging.”
Held at the NSU Tennis Complex and Tahlequah High School, the RiverHawks hosted the NSU Classic. Entered in the Classic were Southeastern State University, East Central University, Cameron University and Southwest Baptist. After winning the matches over Southwest Baptist, ECU and SEOSU, the RiverHawks improved their record to 6-1.
“I think it was a great decision to partner Spirtovic and Osinska together,” said Michelle Romanova, Slovakia freshman. “They understand each other and play very well together.”
Indeed these partners are the real deal. For their doubles they have only lost one match. After beating Quachita Baptist, they are now 7-1 on the year.
As for Spirtovic individually, she is just as impressive as she is with her partner. She has only lost one match and wants to keep it that way.
Her teammates know what kind of player she is and if she has her mind set on winning out then that is how it is going to be.
“She is extremely aggressive,” said McKinney.
As for her team, Spirtovic wants what any other athlete would want, a trip to the Nationals and hopefully a ring to prove they are the best. She knows what it will take for herself and her team to make it happen. She has a great partner she can rely on and great teammates to look to for support.
Spirtovic has the whole package and she is not going anywhere. She will definitely be a player that will leave a legacy when she graduates.
“She will be remembered for being the most coachable player and the most violent,” said McKinney.
The RiverHawks will have a busy schedule to look forward to this weekend and during the break.
On Saturday the RiverHawks will travel to Russellville, Ark. and play Arkansas Tech University at 1 p.m.

Email Kimberly Hunter