Feb. 13, 2009

Each week throughout the season, TarHeelBlue.com will spotlight several UNC fencing seniors in the Friday Fencing Feature. Read on for more on Christina Abruzzini and check back next Friday for a new feature.

Christina Abruzzini, a senior from Apex, N.C., is a co-captain of the women's epee squad. A business administration major, "Zini" has studied abroad and lists Entourage as her favorite TV show.

TarHeelBlue.com interview by Lee Becker, UNC Athletic Communications Student Assistant

TarHeelBlue.com: What's your favorite thing about being a member of the Carolina fencing team?

Christina Abruzzini: Rising above expectations.

THB: What has been your favorite fencing moment at UNC?

Abruzzini: Personally, I will always remember my first varsity dual meet victory at Duke my first year. I started a touch down and came back to win it. But the best part is that my teammates were just as excited for my success as I was. For a team memory, I can't think of anything that beats the thrill of when the men fenced Duke last year. After some clutch performances, the entire meet came down to a single touch.

THB: What's the biggest misconception people have about fencing or something most people don't know about fencing?

Abruzzini: To someone who hasn't fenced, a three-minute bout doesn't seem like such a big deal. But the intensity (both physical and mental) of those three minutes, repeated over and over and over again, proves beyond exhausting. Since I get this question so often, I feel I should include it: In the DTH crossword puzzle, if you see the clue "fencing sword," odds are good that the answer is "epee."

THB: Who is your favorite Carolina athlete of all time and why?

Abruzzini: Mia Hamm, not just for her own achievements (4 titles, 1 loss), but for the inspiration that she continues to give to girls everywhere.

THB: What's the most challenging thing about being a collegiate student-athlete?

Abruzzini: Time management

THB: What has been your favorite class at Carolina and why did you like it?

Abruzzini: English 29 with Larry Goldberg; through his class discussions you can derive new, relevant insights from books you've read 1,000 times.

THB: What's your favorite memory of your time as a Carolina student?

Abruzzini: Rushing Franklin Street after beating Duke

THB:What is your favorite thing about being a student at UNC?

Abruzzini: I love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

THB: Why did you choose to attend UNC?

Abruzzini: Carolina has everything I was looking for--strong academics; a prominent undergraduate business program; great weather; and a vibrant, diverse social scene. At the same time, I'd be lying if I said Roy Williams had nothing to do with it.

THB: What do you see yourself doing 10 years from now?

Abruzzini: I see myself working hard to improve the world in which we live.

THB: Who is your favorite Entourage character and why?

Abruzzini: Ari Gold. No matter the situation, Ari will make it entertaining.

THB: What was the best part about studying abroad in Denmark?

Abruzzini: The people! I studied in an international program, giving me the opportunity to meet and learn from students from across the globe.

THB: You list making great pasta dishes as your little-known talent. What is your best dish?

Abruzzini: Actually, I have no cooking skills at all--I'm a senior with a meal plan! That said, I "cook" (microwave) Bertoli frozen pasta dishes whenever I'm forced to fend for myself, which, jokingly, has become "my specialty." My favorite would have to be the Chicken Florentine.