Texas Tech University Athletics
Red Raider Club Scholar Athlete of the Month: Sabrina Federici
February 01, 2016 | Women's Tennis
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February 1, 2016
Written by: Kayla Chandler, Athletics Communications
Sabrina Federici took a chance when friend and former Texas Tech student athlete, Liz Ullathorne, recommended a tennis career in Lubbock, Texas.
Federici noticed how amazing the opportunity was and without a question, began to pack her bags and moved from her home in Manchester, England.
"I really liked Todd and Ric," Federici said, "I met some of the players here as well and they were all so nice. It was such a friendly community."
When asked where her determination for tennis came from, she replied with a story of how she would watch her brother play for fun, once a week.
"I used to think 'I can do that, I don't know why it looks so hard.' Then I stepped on the court one time and found that I was really, really good at it," Federici explained. "I just continued to do it and developed."She said she has always hoped of one day being able to play at Wimbledon. She illuminated how it is every English tennis player's dream.
Federici's family gave her the self-determination to pursue her goals in the classroom and on the court.
She said she gets her drive from a bit of everything: friends, family, and coaches. "I just want to do the best I can. I want to take our team as far as I can." Federici said their aim this year is to win a national championship.
"I'm just going to give it my all and be the best team player I can be and go from there," Federici said.
Tyson Carter, the women's tennis strength and conditioning coach, said Federici is very optimistic and very outgoing.
"Before matches, she's dancing on the courts to a song, or during a tense moment, she'll make a joke and that's something I think the girls really rely on, in stressful situations especially," Carter said.
He said her comic relief and ability of just being confident in what she does, are qualities she brings to the team.
Sarah Dvorak agrees with Coach Carter when it comes to Federici's charm.
"When I'm around her I'm constantly laughing and having a great time," Dvorak said. "She makes it feel like it's not practice, it's like I'm hanging out with a bunch of friends."
She said Federici's best asset, as a tennis player is feisty. She said she does not go down easily and will fight until the death of every point.
"No matter what we're doing, if we're racing to the car, playing one point, she'll play it like it's the last point she's ever going to play," said Dvorak.
Dvorak said at times it can be annoying when playing as her opponent, but when it comes down to game time, it feels great to be on her team.
Federici's opportunity to play at Texas Tech has not gone unnoticed. She said she is incredibly thankful for being given the chance of a lifetime.
"I will never forget my college years," said Federici. "It's only positives from coming here, I'm really grateful for that."
Players Mentioned
