Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of the spring season, the Upper Iowa Athletics Department is spending the next few months spotlighting many of our Peacock student-athletes whose spring seasons came to a premature end.
 
In today's virtual interview, Pete the Peacock gets to know the Abella twins who both compete for the UIU women's tennis team. Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Alejandra and Carolina came to Fayette from Elgin Community College and Glenbard North High School. Alejandra is majoring is exercise science, while Carolina is a biology major.
 
PETE: How would you describe yourself in three words?          
ALEJANDRA: Competitive, passionate and stubborn
CAROLINA: Strong, passionate, and caring

PETE: What made you want to be a collegiate student-athlete?        
ALEJANDRA: The ability to study and play.
CAROLINA: I love the competition.

PETE: What have you learned about what it takes to be a student-athlete?          
ALEJANDRA: You have to love your sport and be very motivated.
CAROLINA: Organization is key.

PETE: What advice would you give to your 14-year old self?   
ALEJANDRA: Don't be too hard on yourself.
CAROLINA: Don't pluck your eyebrows!

PETE: What is something most people don't know about you?          
ALEJANDRA: I love watching basketball.
CAROLINA: I've changed my major four times.

PETE: How do you want to be remembered?        
ALEJANDRA: As a good leader.
CAROLINA: As a strong person.

PETE: What are the top three things on your bucket list?         
ALEJANDRA: Give my parents the best retirement, adopt a pug, and learn a new language
CAROLINA: Get a job I love, meet the love of my life, and conquer my fear of heights

PETE: What is your dream job if money wasn't a factor? Why?          
ALEJANDRA: An ice cream tester
CAROLINA: Paleontologist because I've always been interested in the study of dinosaurs

PETE: Who are three people (dead or alive) you'd love to have dinner with?        
ALEJANDRA: Serena Williams, Jane Austen, and Will Smith
CAROLINA: Serena Williams, Jane Austen, and Gregor Mendel

PETE: What fictional character (movie, TV show, book, cartoon, etc.) would you want to be for a day? Why?     
ALEJANDRA: Mr. Darcy
CAROLINA: Hermione Granger because I feel like we have very similar qualities

PETE: What is your favorite home cooked meal? 
ALEJANDRA: Arroz con pollo
CAROLINA: Lasagna

PETE: What is your dream vacation spot? Why? What would you want to do there?     
ALEJANDRA: A private island with clear blue water
CAROLINA: Bora Bora because of the clear water beaches. I would want to scuba dive

PETE: What does your dream life after retirement look like?  
ALEJANDRA: Laying on a hammock on the beach.
CAROLINA: Traveling the world with my dog and husband

PETE: What is your favorite non-sport hobby?     
ALEJANDRA: I enjoy baking
CAROLINA: Watching movies

PETE: What are three things you cannot live without?  
ALEJANDRA: My family, sleep, and motivation
CAROLINA: Family, food, and faith

PETE: If you could sing a duet with someone, who would it be? What song?        
ALEJANDRA: Queen, Don't Stop Me Now
CAROLINA: Celine Dion, The Power of Love

PETE: What is one cause that you hold dear to your heart?     
ALEJANDRA: Alzheimers
CAROLINA: Animal Rescue

PETE: If your life was a song, what would the title be?  
ALEJANDRA: Unstoppable by Sia
CAROLINA: Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

PETE: If you had a podcast, what would it be about?     
ALEJANDRA: How to Survive College
CAROLINA: How to Survive Being a Twin

PETE: What category would you own in a trivia competition?
ALEJANDRA: Disney
CAROLINA: Fashion

PETE: Who would your dream co-star be in a movie?      
ALEJANDRA: Will Smith
CAROLINA: Orlando Bloom

Special thanks to Alejandra and Carolina for taking the time to chat with Pete! To view previous virtual interviews, please click here.