Wells Fargo Student-Athlete of the Week: Alexandre Felisa

Senior leadership is a key part of any collegiate athletic team. This year's University of Richmond men's tennis team has that area covered with over half of its roster being seniors.

One of those seniors, Alexandre Felisa, will be a critical part of the Spiders' success this spring and that success started early for Felisa, who went 2-0 this past weekend at the VCU 4-1 Invitational to be named the Wells Fargo Student-Athlete of the Week.

RichmondSpiders.com caught up with Felisa to talk about this year's team and what the transition has been like for him. Plus, we find out what American food is his favorite (hint: it's Bacon Cheeseburgers)

RichmondSpiders.com: You guys have a lot of seniors on this year's team, what's the mindset for the senior class heading into the final spring of your careers?

AF: It's crazy to think that more than half of our team is a senior. I think we all have the same goal and mindset, we know this is one of the best teams Richmond tennis has ever had and we want to make something out of it: Win conference.

RichmondSpiders.com: You transferred in, but you guys have still played a lot of tennis together and spent a lot of time together, can you talk about the bond of this year's team?

AF: I think this year is special. We got very lucky to have our three freshmen that adapted so quick and fit in well with the team. We are all very close and we know this is our last semester so I think we all want to enjoy it and accomplish something together and therefore leave a title behind us.

For me, I'm always impressed with the effort every guy is putting in everyday at practice and I think it would be a great reward for all of the guys to do something big this year. It would also be a good way to make coach proud and give back a little bit of all the things he has done for every single one of us.

RichmondSpiders.com: Individually, what's your goal for this spring?

AF: My goal is to get good grades, graduate and find my dream job! I want to improve and enjoy myself on the tennis court because I won't ever play as much and in these great conditions ever again in my life. Finally to get a first conference title for Richmond.

RichmondSpiders.com: You had a great fall, including teaming up with Jacob to make Richmond history in the regional doubles championship, what was that experience like and how does it help you prepare for the spring season?

AF: It was a great experience! It was amazing to see the result of our work and accomplishing something together with Jacob. We entered the competition without really having any goals and just played tennis to the best of our ability. One match after the other, we somehow ended up in the final. I remember coach being very stressed on the bench but I think we really enjoyed that moment with Jacob and coach and we were able to share it with the team as well so I think we'll remember it for a while.

I think it gives me confidence entering the season, I know I can compete and beat anyone. I think it showed the whole team that we as a team could compete with the best teams in the country.

RichmondSpiders.com: Looking back over the past couple years, what's it meant to you to be a Spider?

AF: Well, especially for me that transferred I think it really makes me appreciate and realize how special and lucky I am to be a spider. This institution is one of the best in the country in lot of aspects. I think about the quality of education, the campus, all resources, guest speakers and variety of international people as well as the type of learning and excellence environment and so much more. All of those really make being a Spider so special and I am proud and grateful to be part of the journey.

RichmondSpiders.com: What's your favorite sport to play besides tennis?

AF: I will have to say ping pong because we have some intense and fun battle among the guys in the team, especially with Matt Fernandez.

RichmondSpiders.com: Favorite vacation spot?

AF: I love traveling so it's hard to pick but South Africa, Myanmar and Argentina were definitely some of the places I enjoyed the most.

RichmondSpiders.com: Favorite American food?

AF: Bacon cheeseburger

RichmondSpiders.com: Do you have any hidden talents?

AF: Still trying to find some, but I will keep you posted if I discover any

RichmondSpiders.com: After tennis, what's your dream job?

AF: My dream would be to manage a luxury brand in California, close to the beach

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