Wesbrooks Looks to Build off of Impressive Freshman Year
11/09/2016 | Women's Tennis
Of all the reasons to be excited about the future of Arizona women's tennis, Camila Wesbrooks has to be near the top of the list.
As a freshman last year, Wesbrooks quickly worked her way into an integral role with the team. She played a large chunk of her matches from the No. 3 and 4 spots, compiling a 13-8 record overall between the two. She especially thrived from the No. 4 spot, where she went 8-3. After a year that was so successful, Wesbrooks is ready to impress again.
"Coming into my sophomore year, I feel so much more prepared than I did my freshman year," said Wesbrooks. "Now I know what to expect and how to handle each situation that comes my way on and off the court."
Her time at Arizona was far from a guaranteed thing, however. Wesbrooks was raised in McKinney, Texas, and came out of high school ranked as the No. 59 recruit in the nation. That meant multiple prominent schools, much geographically closer to McKinney, came knocking at her door. These included Texas Tech and Ole Miss. But for Wesbrooks, there was never a doubt.
"I chose Arizona over other schools that were closer to home because the second I stepped on campus I felt at home," Wesbrooks said. "The team, staff, and coaches were all so welcoming and immediately made me feel like part of the family and that was one of the most important things for me when I was picking a university."
She made the right choice.
"My favorite part about this school and team is that we have all grown so close, and I can honestly say that my teammates will be my friends for life," said Wesbrooks. "The environment here at the U of A is like no other: so much support has been given to me and I am so grateful for this opportunity as a student-athlete."
Head coach Vicky Maes said she is glad she decided to make the trek along the southern border.
"Camila has been a great asset for us,' Maes said. "She is one of those players who is going to give you 100% no matter what. She just loves to compete and will do anything to be in that line-up."
While she has enjoyed her time in Arizona, Wesbrooks acknowledges that there are some differences from her home back in Texas.
"The biggest difference between Arizona and Texas, by far, are the southern accents and how no one here says y'all'," Wesbrooks said. "Also, it is not near as humid in Arizona, making it much more pleasant to compete."
Some people struggle to find motivation, but Wesbrooks doesn't fall in this category.
"The thing that motivates me the most on and off the court are my teammates," said Wesbrooks. "College tennis is different than anything I have ever experienced. I am no longer playing for myself which is something that keeps me motivated 100% of the time."
One of her favorite activities with her teammates occurs before all of their matches.
"Usually before matches we all get together in our team room and blast music as we re-grip our rackets and talk about how we are going to play," Wesbrooks said. "For me, it is super important to have a positive vibe going into each match."
When asked about her outlook on the spring season, she kept those positive vibes going.
"The thing I look forward to the most are the dual matches because of how exciting and fun they are," Wesbrooks said. "I can't wait to get the season started and for us to have a great year! My goal individually is to do my job in both singles and doubles in order for us to get a point on the board in each match. For the team, and for myself, my goal is to make it to the NCAAs this year. I think we have a really solid line-up that will really help get us there."
The Wildcats wrap up their fall tournament schedule this weekend at the SDSU Fall Classic #2 (Nov. 11-13).
As a freshman last year, Wesbrooks quickly worked her way into an integral role with the team. She played a large chunk of her matches from the No. 3 and 4 spots, compiling a 13-8 record overall between the two. She especially thrived from the No. 4 spot, where she went 8-3. After a year that was so successful, Wesbrooks is ready to impress again.
"Coming into my sophomore year, I feel so much more prepared than I did my freshman year," said Wesbrooks. "Now I know what to expect and how to handle each situation that comes my way on and off the court."
Her time at Arizona was far from a guaranteed thing, however. Wesbrooks was raised in McKinney, Texas, and came out of high school ranked as the No. 59 recruit in the nation. That meant multiple prominent schools, much geographically closer to McKinney, came knocking at her door. These included Texas Tech and Ole Miss. But for Wesbrooks, there was never a doubt.
"I chose Arizona over other schools that were closer to home because the second I stepped on campus I felt at home," Wesbrooks said. "The team, staff, and coaches were all so welcoming and immediately made me feel like part of the family and that was one of the most important things for me when I was picking a university."
She made the right choice.
"My favorite part about this school and team is that we have all grown so close, and I can honestly say that my teammates will be my friends for life," said Wesbrooks. "The environment here at the U of A is like no other: so much support has been given to me and I am so grateful for this opportunity as a student-athlete."
Head coach Vicky Maes said she is glad she decided to make the trek along the southern border.
"Camila has been a great asset for us,' Maes said. "She is one of those players who is going to give you 100% no matter what. She just loves to compete and will do anything to be in that line-up."
While she has enjoyed her time in Arizona, Wesbrooks acknowledges that there are some differences from her home back in Texas.
"The biggest difference between Arizona and Texas, by far, are the southern accents and how no one here says y'all'," Wesbrooks said. "Also, it is not near as humid in Arizona, making it much more pleasant to compete."
Some people struggle to find motivation, but Wesbrooks doesn't fall in this category.
"The thing that motivates me the most on and off the court are my teammates," said Wesbrooks. "College tennis is different than anything I have ever experienced. I am no longer playing for myself which is something that keeps me motivated 100% of the time."
One of her favorite activities with her teammates occurs before all of their matches.
"Usually before matches we all get together in our team room and blast music as we re-grip our rackets and talk about how we are going to play," Wesbrooks said. "For me, it is super important to have a positive vibe going into each match."
When asked about her outlook on the spring season, she kept those positive vibes going.
"The thing I look forward to the most are the dual matches because of how exciting and fun they are," Wesbrooks said. "I can't wait to get the season started and for us to have a great year! My goal individually is to do my job in both singles and doubles in order for us to get a point on the board in each match. For the team, and for myself, my goal is to make it to the NCAAs this year. I think we have a really solid line-up that will really help get us there."
The Wildcats wrap up their fall tournament schedule this weekend at the SDSU Fall Classic #2 (Nov. 11-13).
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