Khrustaleva brings D1 tennis experience to WC

Anastasiia Khrustaleva, or Ana for short, wastes no time in responding to self-description. 

"I would describe myself as is unstoppable," said the Weatherford College tennis player from Samara, Russia. 

It's not a brag if you can back it up. Folks have said about great athletes, from Babe Ruth to Muhammed Ali to Tom Brady, LeBron James, etc. And that is precisely what Ana is doing as the No. 1 tennis player in WC's team its first year back on the court. 

"Since I was a kid, I saw myself as a winner of a Grand Slam," she said. "I always had that confidence that I will be world's top five in tennis." 

Ana started to play tennis at the age of 5. Her father was a big fan of the game, and he influenced the start of her career.  

"I always had a strong passion to play, and I still do love the game the most," Ana exclaimed.  

None of her family members played tennis; however, her mom competed professionally in judo and sambo. Also, two of her younger siblings followed their father's passion for tennis and are currently playing. 

Ana came to the United States and enrolled at Troy University in Alabama. She admits the cultural shock of landing in a new country was the most significant transition. 

"Some of the differences include gestures, facial expressions, even how we word sentences or greet people," she said. 

But she has adjusted and is comfortable in the states now, especially at her new home in Weatherford. She said the main reason she came to help restart the program was simple—the coach. 

"I think Weatherford College has great features. However, Coach (Alexandra) Leatu was the deciding factor for me to sign," Khrustaleva said. "For me, as a tennis player, it's crucial to have a coach led by standards and high achievements. And Coach Leatu is a great example. She is a great person on and off the court." 

Leatu had equally great praise for her star player, both about her skills on the court and her leadership qualities. 

"Ana has brought NCAA Division I playing experience to the program," Leatu said. "Our environment has enabled her to teach and lead the freshmen in terms of what it means to compete at a high level, to have high standards of discipline needed to be successful and relentless hunger to improve at least one percent every day. 

"Being here is something she is extremely grateful for because she understands the weight of the opportunity to be here, being a part of a new program. Essentially laying the foundation for the future of Weatherford College tennis." 

Ana is majoring in business administration management. She incorporates her love of this into her tennis career and has managed her tennis trips since 13 years old. 

"I would take care of transportation, accommodation, meals, practices, schedules and tournament-related issues," she said. "And I see myself being successful in that field." 

And she wants to do all this as a professional chasing that Grand Slam.  

"Every match is a new fight or a story for me. I love competing, and I enjoy the competition aspect of the game," she stressed. "I love working hard and always looking forward to the opportunity to challenge myself on the court against other players."