SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Freshman Marisa Fat is accustomed to competing by herself. But the Sacramento native is enjoying being part of a team and is playing a big role in the success of the St. Francis tennis team.

“It has been really fun and I actually enjoy it a lot,” said Fat. “Even though tennis is an individual sport, I like the experience of being on a team and having people that support you. It has been really good.”

Off the court, Fat is a talented mogul skier after spending much of her life on the snow. Moguls include skiing over a series of bumps with two jumps.

“I have been skiing since I was two and took up moguls when I was nine,” said Fat.

She has been spending weekends on the slopes with her family for as long as she can remember.

“I go to Tahoe pretty much every weekend in the winter time,” said Fat. “It is super fun. Even if we do not ski or snowboard you can hang out in the village and skate and sled.”

She enjoys spending the time on the slopes with her parents and brother. But, the recent lack of snow for the area has been tough.

“I love powder,” said Fat. “It is honestly is so fun. But these past few years have not been very good because we have not had much snow. Hopefully we will have some this year.”

Fat spent a recent weekend in Park City, Utah, training on water ramps. She was preparing for a winter that will include competitions to qualify for Junior Olympic and national events. She might even have a career in the sport at the international level.

“The Olympics would be really cool obviously,” said Fat. “I train with an Olympian and she tells me a little about it. But I don’t know if I want that to be my career. I have to make future plans but that would be a really cool experience. You never know.”

For now, she is focused on her school and tennis entering her second month at St. Francis. She says her tennis training helps her on the court.

“They actually help each other out,” said Fat. “Tennis is more agility and you learn that side of your body but skiing is a lot of leg and back work. So that really helps tennis with your stability.”

She has posted a 5-1 record so far playing at No. 3 and No. 4 singles with the only loss coming in the first match against the Blue Devils last month.

“Marisa is a great player,” said Head Coach Kristi Spector. “She worked hard all summer long and has a lot of potential.”

Fat and the Troubadours are off to an 8-2 start and have won seven matches in a row heading into a match with Davis on Monday at 3:45 p.m. at Rio del Oro Racquet Club.