Athlete Spotlight: Shenandoah tennis player Michael Milanov
Posted: February 19, 2013
Shenandoah University 23-year-old senior
Sport: Tennis
Position: No. 1 singles/No. 1 doubles
Parents: Evlogi and Bojidarka Milanov
Hometown: Born in Austria, came to Winchester when he was 9 months old
Major: Pharmacy (in grad school at the moment)
High School: Handley (Class of 2008)
When did you start playing tennis: I started when I was about 10 years old. I basically started playing with my dad and my brother.
What you love about tennis: Everything, the challenge of being on the court and trying to find the way to end each match is kind of exciting.
Biggest strength and weakness in tennis: My strength is definitely my serve. It’s the biggest shot I have I think. It starts out the point and gives you the opportunity to be aggressive from the very start. For a weakness I need to get better at coming to the net and attacking more that way.
Sport you always wanted to try: My second favorite sport is soccer. I think that would have been fun to tryout. And any kind of racket sport I love.
Most memorable moment in tennis: When I was at Handley we won states as a team (in 2005) when I was a freshman. That was probably one of my biggest achievements.
Most embarrassing moment in tennis: Just tripping on the court and falling. Your mind says go this way and your feet go the other way and it’s hard to stop.
Favorite athlete: [Professional tennis players] Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. They’re both good examples of what it takes to be on top of the game and they’re also good role models.
Favorite sports team: U.S. Davis Cup team
Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: Novak and Roger just because they’re good role models and I love their attitude on and off the court, they’re influential. And Jesus Christ. I’m a Christian, so he’s the best role model anyone could have. Being like him is the best thing a person can strive for.
Favorite Quote: “The right attitude will bring you to success”
Favorite class in school: Everything pharmacy related. That’s what interests me and it’s a goal I’ve been going after since I got into college.
What’s on the iPod: Mostly electronica music, but a little bit of everything. I like a mixture of everybody.
Pregame routine/ritual: I listen to music to get me upbeat and pumped for my matches. We always do a “Doah” cheer that focuses us and lifts our team spirits.
Plans after college: Becoming a pharmacist and raising a family. I want to do whatever I can to make change in the world. I’ll always play tennis, it’s a lifetime sport.
— Compiled by Kevin Trudgeon