Hanna Ganchi is a junior on the Lafayette Leopards women's tennis team and a Biology major on the pre-med track from Wayne, New Jersey. She has been a member of the Leopards tennis program for three years and is now a team captain. Not only is she a leader within the squad, but she also serves as a Student-Athlete Peer Mentor, among other leadership roles around campus.

"The rigor of my coursework, combined with the demands of being a student-athlete, has pushed me to grow in ways I did not expect. I have learned a lot about myself, including how I handle pressure, how to stay disciplined, and how to prioritize what matters most." — Hanna Ganchi

Ganchi aspires to become a doctor and has been gaining hands-on experience as a Clinical Assistant. She also volunteers at Gracedale Nursing Home when she is not in season or training and is Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED certified.

On College the Hill

How would you describe the Lafayette community?
So close-knit. I love home games so much because of the sense of community they bring to the courts. We have friends and family coming from all over to support us, which makes it even more special. It ranges from the DKE fraternity showing up in full force to parents flying in from as far as California. Having that kind of support system around us makes every match feel bigger and more meaningful.

What made you choose Lafayette?
My brother, Arman Ganchi '25, played on the Men's Team here at Lafayette so I was incredibly familiar with the program, the players, the facilities, and the community.



I always loved coming to watch Arman play and seeing the team spirit, the close bond between the girls, the cheering, the support, and so much more.I was a little hesitant at first because I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the same school as my brother, but I am so happy I did. It was the best decision I ever made.

How has your involvement in multiple roles shaped your overall college experience?

Being involved in multiple roles has honestly made my college experience so much more meaningful. It's pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, manage my time better, and take on leadership responsibilities that I wouldn't have had otherwise.

Each role gives me a different perspective, whether it's being an athlete, a mentor, or a student, and they all kind of build on each other. It can definitely be a lot at times, but I think it's helped me grow a lot as a person and made my experience feel more balanced and fulfilling. I've been able to meet so many different people and be part of different communities, which has made college way more rewarding.

Inside the Match

What's been the biggest adjustment to college tennis so far?
The heckling definitely took some getting used to. I remember going to my brother's matches and being caught off guard by how loud and intense it could get.

What part of your game has grown the most since arriving at Lafayette?
I would say my mental game. If I'm being completely honest, I was a bit of a hothead on the court in high school. I think this was mainly due to the pressures of recruiting and putting too much pressure on myself.

Once I got to college, I realized that sports are supposed to be stressful, hard, and time-consuming, but they're also supposed to be fun. Reminding myself of that, something that sounds obvious but is easy for athletes to forget, helped me rediscover the joy in tennis and ultimately play better.

How do you stay mentally focused during long matches?
It is definitely easy to get distracted during long matches, but I always try to make sure that I revert back to my routines and basics whenever I find myself mentally veering off. I make sure that I am moving my feet, breathing, reminding myself of my game plan, etc.

The Player's Box

What's a match this season that really tested you?
During our match against Colgate, I found myself down three match points in the third set. I am a firm believer that it's never over until it's over, and that moment truly reinforced it. I fought back to win four straight points, broke her serve, and won the match.

How do you prepare differently for singles vs. doubles matches?
I honestly love both! I am definitely more of a singles player than a doubles player, just because I grew up and trained more in singles, but I love having someone on the court with me during doubles.

I love working with a partner, training with a partner, trying different doubles tactics, sharing amazing wins with a partner, etc. I was so lucky to have amazing doubles partners over the past 3 years, including Olivia Boeckman and Alyssa Perdomo. They were the best doubles partners I could ask for.

What's something people might not realize about the mental side of tennis?
Tennis is almost entirely a mental game. You can have the best forehand, backhand, and serve, and be incredibly fast, but without mental toughness, it's difficult to win matches.

Coaching and Mentorship

What first got you into tennis?
My dad played tennis when he was in high school and college (club, not varsity), and he always knew he wanted his kids to play. My dad started taking my three brothers and me to the court when we were pretty young, and we haven't stopped.

Who is someone you look up to and why?
My mom. She's the hardest-working person I know, and I admire everything she does. I can only hope to grow into even half the person she is.

What's one strategy you rely on when facing a tough opponent?
One. More. Ball. 

It's something every tennis player hears, but it really is the golden rule of the game. No matter who you're playing, committing to just one more ball can make all the difference, and it's a mindset that never lets you down.

As a Student-Athlete Peer Mentor, how do you help first-year athletes adjust to college life?
I love being a Student-Athlete Peer Mentor. I meet with them weekly to talk about managing their time, preparing for upcoming exams, and balancing academics with athletics.

I remember having a difficult transition to college because of the higher expectations and rigorous schedule that come with being a Division I athlete. My peer mentor, Tyler Roberts '25, played a huge role in helping me adjust. I hope I've been able to make the same kind of impact on my mentees that he had on me.

Pre-Med Journey

How do you balance such a demanding academic path with tennis and leadership roles?
I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. It's definitely a challenging path, but I've genuinely enjoyed every part of the journey so far. My freshman year, I struggled to balance the demands of rigorous classes, practices, matches, and leadership roles all at once. It was a big adjustment. Over time I learned how to better manage my time and find a balance between academics and athletics while still making space to enjoy college.

You've gained hands-on experience as a Clinical Assistant, what has that opportunity taught you?
Being a Clinical Assistant has taught me a lot about what working in healthcare actually looks like day-to-day. It's one thing to learn everything in class, but being in a real clinical setting showed me how important communication, patience, and attention to detail really are. 

I've learned how to interact with patients in a way that makes them feel comfortable, even in stressful situations, and how to work as part of a team. It also reinforced that this is something I genuinely enjoy doing and see myself pursuing in the future.

What's been your most interesting or impactful class so far?
Organic Chemistry 1 and 2, for sure. This has been one of the hardest classes I've ever taken, but it's also one of the ones I've gotten the most out of. It really pushed me in ways I wasn't expecting and forced me to figure out how I learn best.

How do you see your experiences in medicine and athletics connecting?
I see a lot of overlap between medicine and athletics, especially when it comes to leadership. Being a student-athlete has taught me how to stay composed under pressure, push through challenges, and stay disciplined, which all translate directly to medicine. As a captain, I've also learned how to support others, communicate well, and lead by example. Both have shown me that good leadership is really about showing up for people and helping them through tough moments.

Quick Hits

What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Froyo with the team!!!

Who's most likely to plan a last-minute trip on the tennis team, and are you going with them?
Marie Sofia Romaniello. Absolutely!!!

What's one word that describes your playing style?
Relentless 

What motivates you through busy and challenging days?
What motivates me is, honestly, a sense of gratitude. I know not everyone gets the opportunity to go to college, compete as a Division 1 athlete, and be surrounded by so many experiences that push you to grow. On the busiest and most challenging days, I remind myself how lucky I am to be in this position. 

If your life had a theme song right now, what would it be?
All The Stars by Kendrick Lamar & SZA

As Social Media Manager for the tennis program, how do you showcase the team's culture and identity?
I try to show the team beyond just results. I want people to see how close we are and how much fun we have, not just how we compete. A big goal for me is making the account feel authentic.