Despite her inexperience with the collegiate speaking circuit, Navratilova lived up to the expectations of the Distinguished Speaker Series Committee that coordinates celebrity lectures.
Committee member Queen Nworisara (junior-international politics) said Navratilova was chosen to speak because "she's a prominent figure who is knowledgeable about issues that affect students like gay issues, women's issues. She's been very vocal."
Navratilova met listeners' expectations as well.
"She gave a very good presentation," said Andrea Jarabak (freshman-liberal arts). "She fit everything in very well."
After recounting many memories of successes and failures on the court, Navratilova shared her secret to success.
"Attitude. That's the only thing you can control," she said. "You can't help the weather, the crowd or how your opponent plays, but you can control your attitude."
In retirement, Navratilova has turned her attention to becoming a more complete person, and described her presentation as a guideline of "what we can do to be better."
Despite her incredible achievements in sports, Navratilova maintains a simple perspective.
"I think that when all is said and done, all that matters is if we've had a positive influence on those around us," she said.
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