Tennis star Goldberg earns national recognition for activism

For Andrea Goldberg, TD '02, athletics and activism have proven a winning combination. This fall, Gold-berg, one of the top singles players on the women's tennis team, was named one of the "Top 10 College Women of the Year" by Glamour. In the October issue, the magazine will recognize Goldberg for her activism in defense of reproductive rights, as well as for the All-Ivy, Academic All-Ivy, and Academic All-American awards she earned on the team.

Goldberg's interest in public health began in her childhood, as her father was the Secretary of Health for the state of New Mexico. Goldberg says that the experience of "growing up in New Mexico and seeing the reality of minorities [struggling] to have their health- care needs served" initially sparked her interest. Her work as a Spanish-English translator at Yale-New Haven Hospital has only deepened that commitment. In fact, Goldberg credits New Haven as one of the main reasons Yale women have won Glamour's award many times. Arriving in New Haven, she believes, is an eye-opener for many students. "New Haven provides both impetus and opportunities for students that they might not have on other campuses," Goldberg said.

COURTESY SPORTS PUBLICITY Andrea Goldberg, TD '02, is set to appear in 'Glamour' in October.

In her Glamour interview, Goldberg expressed interest in becoming a future president of Planned Parenthood. However, she also hopes to return to New Mexico and work toward improving health care for minorities in the state. Eventually she wants to promote nationwide health-care coverage.

Despite the many hours she invests in activism, community service, and schoolwork, Goldberg is also dedicated to tennis. In the 2001 spring season, she played in 24 matches, tying for the team high. "I've had to sacrifice a lot of other interests in favor of tennis," she said, "but it makes me happy and it's a part of my identity." In addition, tennis benefits her personally, providing her with "leadership skills that will help me in the future." Tennis even ties in to her passion for reproductive rights. "For women," Goldberg said, "athletics bring an added awareness of your body and a strong feeling of control over it."

—Kathleen McKeegan

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