Q&A With Goran Vasiljevic
Apr 7, 2004 | Men's Tennis
April 7, 2004
6-4, Sr., Men's Tennis Varmo, Switzerland
Now in his fourth year with the Green Wave men's tennis program, Goran Vasiljevic has been part of two Conference USA Championships and helped the Wave advance to the NCAA Round of 16 last year. Tulane finished the year with the No. 14 ranking in the nation and is ranked No. 16 in this year's preseason rankings.
Major: Finance and management, double major. When I first came, I was a political science major, but then I changed because I thought this would be more useful, plus the business school has such a good reputation.
In which country did you grow up? I grew up in Germany, and my parents are from Yugoslavia (Serbia). I lived 16 years in Germany, then I moved to Switzerland.
How many languages do you speak? I speak three fluently (Serbian, German, English) and three semi-fluently (French, Italian, Spanish).
Had you been to the U.S. before coming here for college? Yes, I played in many tennis tournaments.
What was the biggest surprise for you about this country? The opportunities which people have. You can do something with yourself if you really try hard enough. You seem much more limited in Germany.
What is the biggest difference between New Orleans and the Europe?
People are more outgoing here; in Europe they are more introverted. People are more friendly.
What do you miss most about home?
My family. The food also, but I have grown to like New Orleans food also.
What is your favorite country that you have visited or lived in? Switzerland.
If you could play any other sport at Tulane, what would it be? Basketball. I played until I was 14 but then chose tennis. It is much more flashy than tennis, more fans.
Plans after graduation? I am thinking of moving to New York. Possibly to get a job in finance, but also in the movie industry, like a production company.
Biggest influences on athletic career: My brother who is a professional car racer and my parents and the coaches that I have had.
Best advice: Never Give Up. Keep trying and if you don't eventually make it, you can be happy with yourself.
Favorite meal: A good pizza in Italy.
Dream vacation: Aspen, Colorado. I am a snowboard instructor and I would like to go there.
Why did you choose Tulane? It is much different and it is unique. New Orleans offers so many different things; I like the history and the food is amazing. Tulane is also a better school [than most].
What's your favorite moment as a Tulane athlete so far? Reaching the Sweet Sixteen last year and being there with the other top teams. Also winning the conference championship and clinching a couple of doubles matches.
What's your all-time favorite TV show? SportsCenter.
What's your favorite movie? Braveheart.
What about your favorite sports movie? Remember the Titans.
Do you have a favorite actor? Mel Gibson.
What kind of music do you like? I listen to any kind; it depends on my mood. I listen to anything from hip-hop to dance to rock. At the moment, I have been listening to Metallica, the older stuff.
If you could go to any concert ever, who would you see? Michael Jackson 10 years ago.
Do you do anything specific before matches to prepare? I always have 10 seconds alone and I kneel down in the locker room and I go through the things that I want to do. I have to have my 10 seconds by myself in the locker room.
Favorite on-campus activities? I enjoy going to other sports events. I really like going to the basketball games. I also like reading a lot.
Are there any people you'd like to thank? The assistant coaches have had a great impact on me and Coach Klein always. Also my family and my teammates, Michael Kogan especially has been a great influence.
