Think back to when you were 15. It’s safe to say that most 15-year-olds would be anticipating their first homecoming and their driver’s license. Madina Membetova, on the other hand, is here at Eastern pursuing her career and playing tennis at the NCAA level.

Membetova labeled “not your typical 15-year-old” by head coach Brian Holzegrafe, has traveled from Chegem, Russia to Charleston to fulfill her dreams of coming to the United States. Holzegrafe, as well as the rest of the tennis team, is more than happy to welcome Membetova to Eastern.

Coach Holzegrafe was not looking for Membetova, it was mere coincidence that he came across her. While teaching a tennis lesson in Springfield, Holzegrafe was approached by Membetova’s brother. Membetova’s brother had transferred from Illinois State to play tennis at University of Illinois at Springfield, where he had his run-in with Holzegrafe.

“Her brother kind of offered her up in a sense,” Holzegrafe said.

At the age of 12, Madina had many schools looking at her, but

wanting to keep Madina close to him, Membetova’s brother wanted Holzegrafe to see a video of Madina playing tennis. Holzegrafe immediately liked what he saw and invited Madina to play for the Panthers.

Coach Holzegrafe does not hold Membetova to any sort of higher expectation than his other women.

“She’s great, but all I hope for her to bring is exactly what the other freshman are expected to bring, depth and strength. I just want her to focus on good tennis playing and good academics. We’ll push her to her potential, all she needs to bring is herself and her smile.”

When it comes to interacting with the other women on the team, Holzegrafe said, “I could not be happier, the seniors are welcoming her with open arms and are aware that she is only 15. The interaction is great.”

Membetova first heard about Eastern from her brother and his connections with Holzegrafe. A full scholarship and fulfillment of her dreams of coming to the U.S. were enough to convince Membetova to play for Eastern.

Before playing with the Panthers, Membetova never played on an actual tennis team. There were tournaments available, but they were expensive and too far from her home. Membetova’s only experience has come from solely practicing with fellow peers in Russia.

To many, Membetova may be considered a prodigy, and she might just be, but in Russia, a 15-year-old going to college is more common.

“I just took my exam and passed” was Membetova’s only remark toward the comment of her greatness.

As far as Membetova’s view on how she interacts with the other women on the team, she said, “I don’t act my age, so it’s not a problem.”

Membetova said adjusting has gone well, but living here is very different.

“It is very different, so different I don’t even know how to explain it.”

She did say however, “The food is O.K. I like the pizza and hamburgers. We have pizza and hamburgers in Russia too, but I like them here.”

Membetova will get her first action in Panther blue this weekend at the Eastern Illinois Invitational.