College Spotlight: Robin Anderson, UCLA

February 14, 2012 12:09 PM
Eighth-ranked Robin Anderson won the clinching match against No. 7 Beatrice Capra of Duke, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2, to give the Bruins a 4-0 win in the final of the ITA National Team Indoor Championships, held Feb. 10-13 in Charlottesville, Va. It was the first National Indoor team title in UCLA history.

A freshman from Matawan, N.J., Anderson won the first six matches of her college career and finished the fall season with a 9-3 singles and 8-2 doubles record. She won the 2011 US Open National Playoffs to earn a spot in the qualifying draw of the US Open, where just one year earlier she advanced to the quarterfinals in the girls' singles draw.

Anderson recently took time to answer questions for USTA.com about the differences between junior and college tennis, the biggest influence in her tennis career, her goals for herself and her team this season and more.


USTA.com: This summer, you won the US Open National Playoffs, taking down former UCLA star Yasmin Schnack. Talk a little bit about that experience and your experience in the US Open qualifying tournament.

Robin Anderson:
It was such a great experience. I had to play the local tournament first, and then once I was able to play at New Haven, there were a lot of people who came out to watch me play. It was great to play in the big stadium against Yasmin, and it was very nerve-racking!

USTA.com: You were one of the top recruits in the class of 2011. Why did you choose UCLA?

Robin Anderson:
I chose UCLA because it was one of the top-ranked schools for tennis. I really enjoyed my recruiting trip, love the coaches, the school, the program, and it was the best fit for me.

USTA.com: What are the major differences between junior tennis and college tennis?

Robin Anderson:
The biggest difference is that you can have coaches on the court with you while you are playing your matches. In the juniors, you are sort of out there on your own. College tennis, you have an entire team there cheering for you and practicing every day.

USTA.com: What are your goals for yourself and for your team this season?

Robin Anderson:
Our big team goal is to win the NCAAs. I would love to try and also win the NCAA individuals.

USTA.com: What is a typical day like for you? 

Robin Anderson:
The typical day is go to class, go to practice, fitness, studying, dinner, tutoring. That’s pretty much a typical day for me.

USTA.com: Who have been the biggest influences in your tennis career?

Robin Anderson:
My dad has been the biggest influence on me. He has been my coach since I started tennis and has been my coach my entire life. He has helped me so much.

USTA.com: What’s the best thing about UCLA and being a Bruin?

Robin Anderson:
Knowing that you are part of something very special and part of such a special tradition with a lot of history.

USTA.com: What advice do you have for junior tennis players who want to play in college?

Robin Anderson:
Keep working hard on your tennis, and watch as much college tennis matches as possible. It’s so much fun to watch.
 

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