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Georgia State’s women’s tennis team currently holds an overall record of 7-5, but for senior Linn Timmermann the 2015-16 season will be her final chance to defy the odds. Timmermann made the 2015 All-Sun Belt singles second team as well as the 2015 All-Sun Belt doubles second team. Behind Timmermann’s organized and competitive spirit lies the desire to become a better player.
The pathway to Georgia State
Timmermann was born in Rostock, Germany to parents Sven and Siegrid Timmermann. While her father was a tennis coach, Timmermann picked up her first tennis racquet at the age of three and began playing at age six.
When Timmermann was 14 years old she moved to Florida, along with her twin brother, to attend Saddlebrook Preparatory School located in Wesley Chapel, Florida. Saddlebrook Prep is known for their world-class academics as well as exceptional golf and tennis training.
“I moved with my brother so it wasn’t that bad,” Timmermann said. “Our grandparents stayed with us the first year, then our mom stayed with us. After that we did two years alone and then moved on to college.”
During Timmermann’s four years at Saddlebrook Prep, her best finish was in the 2009 Dominican Republic ITF Tournament. Timmermann advanced to the semifinal round in singles and doubles. Along with this memorable accomplishment, Timmermann received the 2010-11 Player of the Year Award and the 2010-11 Leadership, Sportsmanship Award at Saddlebrook Prep.
Showcasing her skills on and off the tennis court, Timmermann began to catch the eye of several colleges and universities. However, tennis offers as well as pursuing tennis on the collegiate level were not on Timmermann’s radar until she realized that college coaches were interested in her.
“When I first got offers from college coaches, I didn’t really think I would,” Timmermann said about playing after high school. “Then I got offers and I started to look into it. At that time I just decided to play tennis in college.”
After visiting several college campuses, Timmermann decided Georgia State was the university for her. Possessing an urban environment, Georgia State stood out to Timmermann.
“I really got along with the coach when he recruited me,” Timmermann said. “I liked the girls and I thought that being downtown was cool because it was different from other colleges.”
Stepping into play
Timmermann earned a team-best 11 singles wins as well as a 6-2 doubles record in her first semester of playing, fall 2012. Having reached the consolation final in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Southeast Regional Championships, Timmermann won four straight matches against Miami (Fla.), University of Central Florida and in-state foe Georgia Tech.
Throughout the previous seasons Timmermann continued to knock down nationally ranked opponents such as No. 72 Syracuse and No. 31 Illinois. While always striving to become a better player Timmermann focuses on what she can improve on for the next match.
“Just working on my weaknesses and trying to figure out where I can improve,” Timmermann said. “I’m working on my transitioning to the net while including more volleys. I’m still working on my serve and working on the mental aspects like staying calm.”
Timmermann entered the fall 2014 season with six straight singles victories. The now senior also recorded a 8-1 doubles record with teammate Tarani Kamoe. The two gained a victory over duo Monique Albuquerque and Clementina Riobueno of No. 12 Miami (Fla.) who were ranked No. 3. Continuing on in the spring 2015 season the Panther duo was once ranked at No. 33 in the ITA double rankings.
Revealing her talents in both singles and doubles, Timmermann advanced onto the Sun Belt Championships. Having won both singles matches at the Sun Belt Championships last season, Timmermann debuted her strengths. Head coach Jason Marshall is pleased with the progress Timmermann has made during her time at Georgia State.
“Linn has improved a lot in the past 2 years,” Coach Marshall said. “She has been consistently beating nationally ranked opponents at the top position and showing that she is clearly the best player on our team. Her doubles skills have developed as well.”
Along with being a hard-working athlete, Timmermann strives to be the best in the classroom as well. Receiving honors such as being on the 2014-15 Sun Belt Honor Roll as well as making the Dean’s List in fall 2013, spring, 2014 and spring 2015, Timmermann takes the student aspect of her title seriously.
“In the classroom, Linn has been one of the best girls on the team,” Coach Marshall said. “She gets ‘A’ grades in most classes and rarely do you see her getting below this. She has done very well in school and has been able to keep her tennis on a very high level while doing this. She is a quick learner and knows how to make adjustments when needed.”
Leading the way
Hoping to perform well in the Sun Belt Championship and make it to the NCAA tournament while winning more than one round, Timmermann is focused on achieving these top two goals. Having her family back in Germany as well as being close to her teammates, Timmermann is fueled with the motivation to keep pushing.
“This is actually the closest I’ve ever been to my teammates,” Timmermann said. “We all get along great and we do things off the court as well. It’s great having them around.”
Georgia State is now ranked No. 47 in the most recent Oracle/ITA rankings. Just two behind No. 45 and conference member South Alabama, the Panthers look to move up in the rankings. Georgia State has been ranked in the top 75 for six weeks straight.
