Written by Student Assistant Chelsea Flintoft '14
Chelby Cooke (CC) is a sophomore on the women's tennis team and has been a key component for the team since the beginning of her freshman year in 2012. The Bakersfield, Calif. native was named All-WCC Honorable Mention in singles after her first colligate season, posting a 13-7 singles record at the No. 4 singles spot for the Broncos. This Fall, Cooke has competed in four individual tournaments for Santa Clara and has had some notable wins over West Coast Conference opponents in the process. SantaClaraBroncos.com (SCU) sat down with Cooke as she told us about her aspirations for the 2014 spring dual season, her transition to a dominant doubles player, and her Christmas break plans.
SCU: What was the highlight of your fall season?
CC: Spending time with Delphine Rouvillois and Stephanie Skaras on and off the court. I missed my foreigners so much over the summer break. It was awesome seeing the whole team compete and getting an idea of what we need to work on to make 2014 a great spring season.
SCU: What school are you most looking forward to competing against in the Spring?
CC: All of our competition is going to be tough this up-coming dual season. Saint Mary's is a team we always look forward to playing, but I think everyone is most excited to play Pepperdine. They are the only team we didn't beat last year, and we get to play them at home this year.
SCU: Since joining the team, what is one skill that you have improved on now as a sophomore?
CC: As I transition into being a doubles player, I have been applying the increased dynamic technique that doubles play demands into my singles game. I've been coming forward more often to finish the point and becoming more comfortable trying new shots and patterns.
SCU: Which do you prefer to play: singles or doubles?
CC: I am much more comfortable playing singles since I have a lot more experience doing it, but playing for your doubles partner and sharing in each other's success and supporting each other unconditionally is a bonding experience you can't get from singles!
SCU: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
CC: I enjoy working at Malley fitness center, running to Delphine's magical playlists, and most importantly, I like to watch Prison Break with Steph and Delphine.
SCU: What are your Christmas break plans?
CC: I will be enjoying some much-needed rest with my beautiful sisters at home in Bakersfield, Calif. while getting ready mentally and physically for the beginning of our spring season in January!
GO BRONCOS!
