Three years ago, UCLA’s Sara Walker was a freshman
sensation, earning the top spot on the women’s tennis team
and the No. 4 ranking in the country.
Last year, the junior learned how it felt to lose that top spot
to a freshman when Megan Bradley stepped into the program. Bradley
advanced to No. 5 in the nation, leaving Walker in an unfamiliar
position, the No. 2 slot in her team’s lineup.
However, with Bradley transferring to Miami in August, Walker is
once again the team’s foremost star.
“It was hard on her being No. 2,” said head coach
Stella Sampras Webster. “But it made her work even
harder.”
Sampras Webster worked with Walker on making some changes to her
game last year that would help in the increasingly competitive
sport.
As a freshman, Walker was able to succeed by winning points at
the baseline. But it soon became apparent that for Walker to remain
among college tennis’ elite, she would have to improve her
overall game.
“I’m looking to move in more now and win points at
the net,” Walker says. “I didn’t even think about
doing that freshman year.”
Walker largely credits doubles matches for the improvement of
her singles game. The solid transition game and crisp volleys
necessary in doubles have translated into success in both
areas.
“They had to basically teach me doubles from square one my
freshman year,” Walker says. “But I’m much more
confident in it now.”
Last year she finished the season ranked No. 2 in doubles with
Petya Marinova. This year Sampras Webster plans on playing her with
freshman Laura Gordon.
“(Walker) has a real strong serve, and will be able to set
up her partner,” Sampras Webster said.
In spite of her accolades in doubles, singles is still
Walker’s strong suit and is what has made her an All-American
the past three years. Factor in those daunting standards that come
with a family that has a strong tennis legacy ““
Walker’s grandfather played at Texas and her dad played at
Houston ““ and the phrase burnout comes to mind.
Nevertheless, she maintains that the only pressure she ever
feels is that which she creates herself.
“I put pressure on myself because I want to go out with a
good year,” she says. “This year, more than any other,
my goals are the highest because this is it for me.”
Sampras Webster hopes Walker’s desire and motivation will
carry through to the rest of a very young team that boasts seven
freshman and no other seniors. Accustomed to leading by example in
the past three years, Walker has also emerged as the vocal leader
on this year’s team.
“She thrives on the leadership,” Sampras Webster
said. “She lets the freshmen know what’s expected of
them.”
Walker’s leadership was particularly evident two years ago
while the Bruins were struggling as a team. Although she had gone
25-11 in the No. 1 singles position, the team still needed to knock
off Fresno State in order to qualify for the NCAA Championships.
With the match tied at three, Walker avenged a tight first-set loss
and pounded Fresno State’s No. 1 Kim Niggemeyer, 6-7 (8),
6-1, 6-0 for the match-clinching victory.
Back on top for her final year, Walker looks forward to facing
other schools’ top players again, knowing it will prepare her
for the future. In June, she plans to join the professional tour, a
lifelong goal.
“She has a great chance to do well,” said Sampras
Webster. “She can already beat players who are on the tour
right now.”