Cambridge, Mass. (August 19) -- As part of a series that will take part throughout the 2020 fall semester, the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) will be featuring a number of head coaches and DAPER staff members. The second installment of this series features women's tennis head coach/physical education and wellness instructor Carol Matsuzaki, who enters her 23rd season at MIT in 2020-21.
As part of each feature, we have included a written question and answer session, along with a video interview where recruits, alumni, fans and others can learn more about the program and MIT. If you can't currently visit MIT, we will bring MIT to you!
Q: Besides tennis, what is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
A: I love watching football because of the teamwork and organization that it takes for good things to happen. I also love watching the Olympics because of the human stories behind each of the athletes, especially the athletes from countries that are not Olympic powerhouses.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the Cambridge area?
A: My favorite restaurant in Cambridge pre-COVID was Christopher's in Porter Square. It was our go-to place to meet as a family for Friday night dinner to commemorate the end of a busy work week. Sadly, it is currently not in operation.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a coach?
A: My favorite memories as a coach are the three times we clinched a berth into the NCAA Elite 8 (2015, 2018, 2019). All three matches were extremely close and came down to the final two matches on court. In all three matches, we won 5-3 as the lower ranked team, on the road against the home team. All were really great college tennis matches played by both teams on court. So thrilling and memorable!! So happy for the team to be able to accomplish and experience that as part of their college athletic careers and so proud of them for their belief in themselves and each other.
Q: Outside of work, what do you do to relax?
A: To relax, I go for a run or listen to podcasts. Often both at the same time. Currently my favorite podcasts are Work Life w/ Adam Grant, Criminal, Hidden Brain, Dear HBR, HBR Women at Work, HBR Presents After Hours, and Yo Is This Racist.
Q: What is your favorite professional sports team?
A: I don't currently have a team that I follow that closely! Growing up I was a huge LA Lakers and LA Dodgers fan. Then became a Red Sox fan for a bit when I moved to Boston. Hopefully I will find a team to follow soon because it's much more fun to follow sports that way!
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: With so many movies out there it's hard to say which is my favorite. But one that stands out to me is As Good As It Gets. A couple of movies that I have seen recently that I've liked are Knives Out and The Hundred-Foot Journey.
Q: What is the last book that you read?
A: I am currently reading "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker, suggested by MIT W Tennis alum Victoria Tam '16. This is a super interesting book about the thinking/strategy/methods behind the act of gathering. It's especially useful now when we have virtual gatherings/meetings which can have their limitations.
Q: Have you started watching anything new in particular on TV since MIT moved to remote learning in March?
A: My favorite Netflix series that I've watched this summer is Schitt's Creek!
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