"Christi could be one of the most decorated players we have ever signed at Texas A&M, and from all the indications of her results and rankings, we really feel she is going to be a great contributor to the program. She comes in with a high level of experience in both singles and doubles, and we are excited that she has chosen to come to Texas A&M. Plus with her sister, Elzé, serving as a student assistant coach this season, I think that will be an extra special benefit for the two of them." -- Coach Bobby Kleinecke
One of the highest rated players to ever sign with the Aggies...Has been listed as high as 107 in the ITF junior world rankings in singles and as high as 632 and 410 in singles and doubles, respectively, in the WTA world rankings...Is a hard-hitting, aggressive baseliner who also uses a powerful serve to hurt her opponents and take control of points...Backhand is her favorite shot...Although she joined the team in January, she is projected to play toward the top half of an already strong singles lineup.
PREVIOUS ATHLETIC BACKGROUND: Competed in the 2009 Australian Open and was a member of the Republic of South Africa's 2009 and 2010 Fed Cup teams...Is a two-time representative in the African Cup, in which the top two players in each age group in Africa are selected to compete...Was the doubles champion at the 2009 WTA $10,000 tournament in Pretoria, and was the doubles semifinalist at the WTA South Africa $100,000...Reached the semifinals in singles at the WTA South Africa $10,000 and also advanced to the semifinals in doubles at the 2008 Eddie Herr International Junior Tennis Championships in Bradenton, Fla...Captured both the singles and doubles championships at the 2008 ITF tournaments in Namibia and Benin, West Africa and also won doubles titles at ITF junior tournaments in Togo and Port Elizabeth...In the 14s age group, competed in the African Junior Championships in Egypt, winning the doubles title and finishing runner-up in singles...Also participated in the Junior World Cup Championships in Czech Republic and was a member of the ITF Africa team to tour Europe in the Young Stars Tennis Tournament.
PERSONAL: Hester Christina Potgieter is the daughter of Johan and Ina Potgieter...Is the youngest of three children...Her sister, Elzé, will serve as a student coach for the Aggies in 2011 following a stellar four-year playing career at A&M in which she recorded 90 career singles victories, ranking ninth in the all-time Aggie records...Her brother, Jean, also attended A&M in 2009...Began playing tennis when she was four years old...Most memorable moments of prep tennis career are playing for South Africa in the Federation Cup and playing juniors at the Australian Open in 2009...Lists shopping as her No. 1 hobby...Plans to major in kinesiology...Career ambition is to be a kinesiologist and work with children...Born October 15, 1992, in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Potgieter Up Close
Favorites:
Favorite Aggie tradition: The 12th Man
Favorite class subject: Biology by far!!
Favorite quote: Live everyday as if it is your last!
Favorite tennis player: Roger Federer
Favorite athlete (any sport): Lance Armstrong by far!!
Favorite professional sports team (any sport): SPRINGBOKS! (South Africa's rugby team)
Favorite website: Facebook
Favorite type of music: Afrikaans Pop Music
Favorite food: Real Boerekos, anything that my mom makes, but her sweet potatoes and mince (ground beef dish) is a winner!
Favorite TV show: Vampire Diaries
Favorite book: The series of Twilight
Favorite movie: The Ugly Truth
Favorite thing about the sport of tennis: Hitting winners
Favorite sport to play other than tennis: Hockey
Favorite Karaoke song to sing: Underneath Your Clothes - Shakira
Favorite piece of advice: To follow your heart!
Favorite vacation spot: Hartenbos, it is the best place in the world!!!!
Miscellaneous:
The person who has had the greatest impact on my athletic career: My family for sure!
The accomplishment (athletic or non-athletic) that I am most proud of: To play for South Africa in the Federation Cup
The best tennis player I have ever played against: I think my sister is the best tennis player in the world:-D
My best non-athletic talent: Cooking
The reality show I would most like to participate in is: Survivor
I can't believe I watch this TV show: 7de Laan
People have told me that I look like (name of celebrity): Blake Lively
When I was little, I dreamed I would be an: Airhostess
Something you've always wanted to do but haven't: Skydiving or shark cage diving
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why? Lance Armstrong, because he is simply the best!
Few people know that I: was in a Primary School with only 60 children in the whole school
The best advice I ever received: To never give up!!
My most prized possession is: My Rotary watch
My dream job is: To be a kinesiologist with my own practice, and work with professional athletes all around the world