Anika Lemus

Class:
Sophomore
Prev School:
Colegio Valle Verde
Height:
5-6
Hometown:
Guatemala City, Guatemala

Prep

Ranked the No. 1 ranked junior player in Guatemala, has been in the top three in the nation her whole career.
Achieved a high ITF ranking of No. 623 on Jan. 03, 2023.
Has been a member of the Guatemala national team since she joined the U-14 squad. She has competed in national team events, including the 2021 Billie Jean King Junior Cup – North Central America & Caribbean ITF Team Championship and the 2019 WJTC North/Central America & Caribbean ITF Team Championship.
In 2022, secured four doubles championships in events including the Santa Tecla ITF J4, San Jose ITF J5 and the Copa Herbalife Guatemala ITF J5.

Personal

Daughter of Juan Carlos Lemus Say and Ana Lucia Maldonado Abreu
Intends on majoring in industrial & systems engineering
Birthday is April 15

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
From my official visit, I knew Liberty University was the right place for me. I loved the community. They are always willing to help you and they’re very kind. They make you feel like they are your family. In addition, the facilities are outstanding, and the level of the team is very high! I have always dreamed of that, and Liberty has it all.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
I have a pregame routine. First, I have a 5-minute breathing session to calm my nerves. Then, I listen to music that makes me confident and active. Afterward, I will warm up with elastic bands and active exercises to prepare for the match. After a match, I always go with my coach to receive feedback and stretch for 30 minutes.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is my mom. She taught me to be resilient and keep my head up despite life's obstacles. I admire her ability to get back up after she "falls" and how she works hard daily to provide everything my brother and I need. Also, I like the way she raised us. She is my best friend, but when she needs to put limits, she does. So, it is a good balance. I am very grateful that she is my mom. I have other role models: Serena Williams and Simone Biles. I admire them so much because even though they did not have an easy path to success, they always fought to be the best in their sport with attitude, passion, resilience, and discipline. I admire everything about them. Their ability, personality, and how they made history in their disciplines.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
My most memorable athletic accomplishment was playing for Guatemala in the World Juniors Tennis Championship. I will never forget that tournament because I loved playing with my team. It was a tough tournament, but I enjoyed every second of it. My most significant memory is when we won the decisive doubles against the Dominican Republic and celebrated together after winning.

If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
I will pick number 7 because it has been my lucky number since I was little.

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
My favorite meal is breakfast because I love a slow morning with a good breakfast.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
I check WhatsApp.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Journaling

Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
No, I do not. But my aunt has one dog, Malú and I love her.

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Serena Williams

What is your favorite possession and why?
My favorite possession is my stuffed animal. It is a dog and her is "Princesita".

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
"Volaré" - Gipsy Kings

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
My dream vacation spot is Hawaii. I chose this place because I have always wanted to go there. The culture is fantastic, and I love the beach.