2001-02 Outlook
Elissa Kinard, the Huskers’ most powerful server, is not only strong, but she is also left handed which makes her even tougher on opponents. Kinard is projected to play in the middle of the Huskers’ lineup.
2000-01
Elissa Kinard who made a big impact on the 2001 Husker team. Kinard competed in all but three singles matches and held a 16-5 record, which led all Nebraska freshmen. Kinard competed early in the season at the No. 4 spot, but then settled in at the No. 5 position for the last part of the season, where she had a 10-1 record. Kinard had a 10-match win streak while at the No. 5 singles position. In doubles, Kinard teamed up with fellow freshman, Leslie Harvey, and posted a 10-6 record, mostly at the No. 2 doubles spot. Toward the end of the season, Kinard was competing with Stacey Tomkiewicz at the No. 3 doubles spot and the duo posted a 4-1 record. Kinard’s overall doubles record was 14-8.
Before Nebraska
In high school, Kinard played for coach Patricia Owens at Bishop England High School in Charleston, S.C. During her high school career, Kinard won the South Carolina individual AA state championship and was named AA player of the year all four years leading her team to three state championships and one runner-up finish. Kinard was also selected as the only female candidate from her school for the high school Heisman.
Personal
Elissa is the daughter of John and Miriam Kinard. She was born on Sept. 12, 1982, in Charleston, S.C. Kinard is a marketing major. Kinard’s hobbies include playing the violin.
Up Close with Elissa
Proudest accomplishment:
winning South Carolina State Player of the year for four years
Something people should know about me, but don’t: I played the violin for 13 years
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be: my parents
Person in history I would most like to meet: Jesus
My craziest ambition: to go bungee jumping or skydiving
The greatest lesson I have learned in athletics: if you work hard you will achieve your goals
My favorite moment in a match is: winning the last point against a girl I have lost to since I was eight and I finally beat her in my last junior tournament
The best tennis advice, I have ever received: you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take
Favorite tennis player: Jennifer Capriati
Favorite Grand Slam: U.S. Open
Favorite non-athlete: Julia Roberts
