Endurance • Sandra
Rocha is dedicated to the women’s
tennis team and working hard everyday.
CSULB Sports Information
Rocha readies racquet for new tennis season
By Kim Oswell
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor
Inspired by a family foundation built upon hard work and dedication, Sandra
Rocha is solid on the courts at Long Beach State for the women’s tennis
team. Her finely tuned skills have been molded by blood, sweat and tears and
giving
nothing less than a hundred percent of herself.
Rocha, 20, is a junior communications major with a marketing minor. She was an
Academic All-Star in spring 2005 and said she feels tennis helps keep her on
the right track.
“
It keeps you determined,” Rocha said. “It helps with time management
and helps me to stay focused.”
According to Rocha, her family has been her inspiration and model for success
her whole life. She grew up in Pomona with her parents and sister and graduated
from Claremont High School. Rocha described her family as very Hispanic and said
they love to salsa dance and eat good food cooked by her grandma. Her father
is from Nicaragua and her mother is from Argentina.
“
My parents are my role models,” Rocha said. “They came from third
world countries and accomplished so much. My family has worked so hard to get
where they are.”
Rocha began her sports career by playing soccer at the age of 6 and tennis since
she was 7. Rocha said her family has always been very involved with sports and
she enjoys being athletic.
In her freshman year of high school, Rocha decided to focus on tennis because
she felt she had a better future with that sport. Tennis runs in her family,
Rocha’s sister played at Cal State Fullerton.
“
I hang out with my family on Sundays,” Rocha said. “My parents
are great. They work hard and let my sister and I focus on school and tennis.”
Rocha does not often have down time, but she enjoys television shows such as “One
Tree Hill” and “Grey’s Anatomy.” Rocha lives off campus
with three girls, including Rachael Porsz who is on the team with her.
After graduation next year, Rocha plans on wasting no time in getting into graduate
school. Her plan is to apply right away and she is interested in the Sport Management
Program at LBSU.
Rocha wants to continue her tennis career by playing open tournaments to see
if she wants to pursue it further.
“
I will see how it works out,” Rocha said. “I love tennis and have
been playing since I was 7. I would like to play in Europe.”
Rocha plays singles and doubles in tennis, but said she prefers doubles.
“
I played doubles with my sister,” Rocha said. “You have someone
to help you out and support you. It helps you pick up your game.”
Rocha is a respected member of the team and was voted to be the team captain
this season by her teammates.
“
Sandra has really progressed and has had her strongest start this fall,” said
Head Coach Jenny Hilt. “She is an asset and works hard on the court and
in the classroom. We have had to do some extra work and she is out here doing
that, showing she is a leader.”
“
One of my goals this year is to have fun,” Rocha said. “I want
to enjoy myself in whatever I do, especially in tennis because I believe that
is
key to being successful in your sport.”
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