Army West Point Athletics
Black Knight Spotlight - Megan Noble
May 08, 2006 | General
Get to know tennis player Megan Noble
1. What does it mean to you to be able to play tennis here at West Point?
"It's a culmination of 15 years of tennis for me and being able to end my competitive career at such a high level while representing West Point. It's nice to be part of a team, especially during my first year here, where there are so many support systems. I've had so many good memories playing here. We'll be making our third NCAA appearance in a few weeks."
2. What is the best thing about being an athlete at West Point?
"The best thing about being an athlete is it makes you stand out from other people. There are different jobs and ways in which cadets represent the Corps, ranging from the color guard, the glee club, the drill team and the cadets who march in the parades. We get the chance to represent the Corps and the Academy on the tennis courts. When we travel, people get the opportunity to see that we're just normal people, just like them and be recognized by individuals. The facilities we have, thanks to alumni donations, help us to train and compete. I've been to a variety of indoor courts, and I think we have one the best in the region if not the country for a program that is not a top five team. That says a lot about the Academy's dedication to success."
3. What is the most difficult thing?
"Definitely balancing academics is the most difficult thing about being a cadet-athlete. During plebe (freshman) and yuk (sophomore) year, it was very difficult having to take all the math and science courses that I might not have taken had I gone to another school. Making it through those courses and playing tennis is hard because you have to find time to get all your school work done after matches and practices. It can be very exhausting. It was difficult, but getting through it is very self-rewarding and pushes you to become a well-rounded person."
4. What is your fondest sports memory that you have had since arriving at West Point?
"There are two memories that come to mind right away. First, making it to the NCAA Tournament my freshman year. We had to beat a very good American team and won a hard-fought match to make it to the NCAA tournament. Once we got there, we were playing with these great teams such as California, Texas A&M, so that was an incredible experience. Second, without a doubt, beating Air Force, 4-3, this season out in Colorado Springs. It was one of the closest matches I've ever been a part of and seeing it come to a third set when the score was 3-3 and having (Amanda Paluch) pull it out was amazing."
5. What adjustments have you had to make since arriving here?
a. Socially:
"Neither one of my parents were in the military, so when I arrived here it was a completely new social concept to me. As a female, you have to learn how to stick up for yourself and put people in their place when necessary, but all within the boundaries of the Academy. I now have a lot of male friends who act like big brothers towards me, and they would do anything for me, which was different from high school where all of my friends were girls. Also, the diversity that the Academy presents us with is incredible. There are cadets here from all over the country and different cultures and backgrounds. It gave me the opportunity to learn about other regions and people as supposed to where I grew up where everyone is very similar."
b. Athletically:
"I think athletically it's a challenge to both get ready for tennis and all your military training at the same time. It can be very difficult during the season. You have to learn how you body responds to each situation and prepare yourself properly and know when you can and can't push yourself. My mental game has also gotten a lot better since I've arrived here. I was a very emotional player as a junior and it would get in the way of how I played, but once I got here, I learned how to channel my emotions through CEP, the Center for Enhanced Performance, and that's helped me to develop as a tennis player."
c. Academically:
"I went to a tough high school, but I was never pushed academically like I was once I arrived here. For example, the first semester of my yuk year I was in physics, calculus and economics all at the same time. For someone who probably wouldn't have taken any math courses had I gone to another college, it was remarkable to be able to survive that. I look back now, only weeks from graduation, and it's amazing to see what I've been able to accomplish in the classroom."
6. Why did you decide to come to West Point? What were some of the deciding factors? Who or what influenced your decision?
"I was about to apply for early decision at another school and then I got my letter of acceptance from West Point in October. I held off applying for early decision and figured I should really give this opportunity some thought and felt that I might regret passing on it if I didn't really consider it. I came on two recruiting trips here and still was uncertain as to what I wanted. My parents always stressed that it's not the school you go to, but what you make of your time there. At the same time, an institution such as this can do a lot for you both in your time there and further down the road in life. The Academy opens so many doors for us as cadets that we wouldn't be able to utilize at other universities. For example, a few weeks ago I went to Washington, D.C., and spoke with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, not many other schools have such dignitaries at their leisure. Also, coming here was a way for me to take control of my own destiny and do something very productive with my college experience."
7. What do you enjoy doing during your "down time"?
"When I do get down time, I enjoy watching TV, going out to dinner and going to the movies. I like to get off post when given the chance; hang out with the girls on the team and also my boyfriend, although he's down in Georgia for his OBC, officer basic course."
8. Which branch are you planning on entering following graduation?
"After I complete my assistantship with the team next fall, I'm going to help coach (Paul Peck) with recruiting. I'm going to become an ordnance officer, and I've already been assigned for everything. My former teammate, Lindsay Nott, is over in Iraq right now as an ordnance officer and she's had some good things to say about it, so I'm looking forward it."
9. What makes athletes at West Point unique from athletes at other schools?
"First and foremost, our behavior on the courts is different. We're a lot more composed and carry better manners during competition than most of our opponents. Also, we have to work harder to be able to play. We make the most of our opportunity and time on the courts. Since we have such hectic schedules, when we are able to practice we're focused and take care of business. Other schools might take practice time for granted because they're given more time to practice. For us, it's an escape, so we make the most of it and don't waste our time. Another thing would be the personality of the athletes at West Point. We're all very driven and push ourselves to succeed with everything we do here, so it just carries over to the courts. It's something I'm proud as a leader of this team as is our coach because he puts a lot of emphasis on it."
10. What is the best thing about being a cadet?
"The best thing about being a cadet is the opportunities that the Academy presents to us that other college students might not be given. Everyone throughout the country knows the reputation of this institution and how hard we work while we're here. They also respect us for the fact that we're willing to potentially give up our lives for our country. Also, the friendships we make here will be life lasting. The Army family is so close knit that we'll run into each other down the line when we get our assignments, but also while we're here, the Corps is a big family where everyone looks out for each others best interests and is supportive of each other."
