Holding Serve with Kara Delicata
4/20/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
In 2004, Kara Delicata along with doubles teammate Michelle DaCosta finished with ITA national ranking of No. 27. Now a sophomore, Delicata has been an even stronger force in helping the duo succeed. They currently hold a 20-8 overall record, including a 14-4 dual match record and a remarkable 7-1 Big Ten record. Delicata helped start off2004-05 with a bang, making some key plays alongside DaCosta to defeat Arizona's No. 1-ranked team of Maja Mlakar and Dianne Hollands 8-1 in first round of ITA National Indoor Championship. With the postseason just around the corner, the doubles team looks to improve on last years NCAA Championship success, this time with hopes of earning All-America honors.
During her prep career, Delicata made her mark on the Canadian junior circuit. Consistently ranked in the nation's top 10, Delicata was also a member of Junior Team Canada. During her travels to the U.S. for tournaments, Delicata left an impressive mark in Texas winning both singles and doubles at the 2002 Texas Open. To top it all off, she also earned a Canadian national doubles title.
As she was preparing to wind down the academic year, Delicata took a moment to speak about the competition in Canada, playing with DaCosta and her reasons for attending Michigan.
How did you begin playing tennis
"I started when I was four. I had so much energy when I was a kid that my parents wanted me to get out and do something. We had a tennis club about two minutes away from our house, so my dad signed me up for lessons and it went from there."
Is there a difference in tennis competition between the US and Canada
"The level is pretty different. I used to train in Michigan on the weekends when I was younger. During the week, I would train at home and on the weekends I would travel to different places in Michigan."
Who has been the most influential person in your tennis career
"My first coach ever, Lou. I played with him for a long time and he really taught me the essentials of the game."
Who were your tennis idols growing up
"(Andre) Agassi has always been my favorite. I like Steffi Graf a lot too, because I have a similar game to hers."
What was your favorite tennis moment prior to coming to Michigan
"I won the Canadian National Championship in doubles. I had a partner from Quebec and we played a great tournament."
How do you think the season has been going
"I have been really happy playing doubles with Michelle (DaCosta). We have been consistent there. I love playing with her in general. In singles, I have had some ups and downs. I think I'm learning a lot playing higher in the lineup this year and it has been a big adjustment for me. As a team, we struggled in non-conference, but Big Ten play has been going well so far."
What is it like playing with Michelle DaCosta
"I think it helps because we are good friends off the court and that really helpsour chemistry on the court. We know where each otheris moving andis going to be next, which helps us a lot."
Which do you prefer more, singles or doubles
"I really like both. I grew up never really playing doubles, but once I started, I have gotten to enjoy it a lot."
Describe what it meantto qualify forthe ITA National Indoors.
"I think it really helped us a lot. We had an amazing win in the first round against No.1-ranked Arizona and that really gave us the confidence to just keep on going. In winning those matches, we learned we could be at the top."
What has been your favorite tennis moment at Michigan
"Last year at the NCAA's in Georgia. It was probably a mix of the best and the worst. Michelle (DaCosta) and I won our first round match against Kentucky. We needed to win one more round to earn All-America honors. It was a three-set matchand we lost 6-4 in the third. It was my best moment because it was my first time there and it was a great experience."
Who has been the most influential person(s) in your life
"My parents. They really gave me a lot of support to get me to where I am. Without them, I dont think I would be here right now."
Why did you choose to attend Michigan
"It's close to home. I'm really close to my family and that helps a lot. U-M has great academics and athletics. It was my first choice and I knew I wanted to come here."
What has been your favorite class at Michigan
"Developmental psychology. I'm a psychology major and that class is what I'm really interested in. It's about kids and their life cycle; I'm interested in working with children in the future."
What is in your CD player right now
"Country. Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. Its a mix."
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