Wonder from Down Under powers Bruin tennis
Latest recruit Matt Breen adds depth to impressive squad
By Mark Singerton
As if the 1995 UCLA men’s tennis team doesn’t have enough talent
already, they recruited yet another potential star from over 8,000
miles away.
Australia, the land of koala bears, kangaroos and eucalyptus
trees, is also the home of latest Bruin addition Matt Breen, who
resided with his family in Melbourne until he came to Westwood two
weeks ago.
"It was a big transition for me," Breen said. "There’s no doubt
about it."
Indeed, Breen had never visited the United States before.
"I never even went on the recruiting trip to UCLA," the freshman
said.
To complicate matters, Breen was recruited by a number of
schools, including Kentucky, Florida and the University of
Washington. But Breen chose UCLA for the prestige of a highly
touted tennis team and through the influence of Bruin assistant
coach Brett Greenwood. A native Australian, Greenwood saw Breen
reach the quarterfinals in the Australian Open Junior Division
Championships on a visit there.
"He (Brett) told me about UCLA, so I was very comfortable in my
decision to attend," Breen said. "And I know how good its tennis
program has been in the past, their program is one of the best, if
not the best in the country. I knew that if my tennis was going to
get better that I needed to be here. They have so many good players
here. When they offered me a chance to go to a school like this, I
simply couldn’t pass it up."
Because the quality of tennis down under does not match up to
that of the United States, Breen saw the need to get experience
elsewhere. Coming off being a top-ranked player at Marcellin
College High School, he now joins a squad where he currently is the
number-six man on a 17-man roster and competition is fierce. So
there is there any pressure for Breen to perform?
"A little bit," Breen admitted. "But I like it here. I see it as
having the opportunity to get a great education and play in a great
atmosphere."
UCLA head coach Billy Martin has faith in his young player, and
believes he has the talent to become a great player.
"He’s tenacious and very hardworking," Martin saidabout Breen.
"His backhand is very consistent, and he’s got a lot of tools that
I think are going to make him a solid player. But he still has a
long way to go."
Breen freely admits his game needs improvement, and remains
humble about his prospects this year.
"I just hope I can make the team at this point," Breen said.
But his teammates think Breen has the skills to become a
contender.
"From what I’ve seen so far, he’s looking great," sophomore Eric
Lin said. "He’s quick to the ball and a tough competitor. He’s an
all-around athlete, I think he’s going to do well here."
Breen has come a long way from his playing days as a youngster
in the park.
"I remember when I was eight, my sister used to hit the balls to
me on the court," Breen recalls. "It was easy then. I just had to
hit them back."
However, life has gotten complex for Breen since coming to
America. He is still uncertain about his future or career plans.
His major is undeclared.
Breen certainly has the pressure to succeed academically. Both
of his parents are graduates of Duke University, and his father is
a professor of American history at Latrobe University in
Melbourne.
"I know one thing is for certain," Breen said. "I won’t go into
teaching. I’m not really thinking too far ahead right now. I’m just
trying to settle in."