Written by Student Assistant Jefferson Reese '14
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Sweat drips between the white lines of the freshly painted Santa Clara University tennis court. The sun shines down and shimmers on the forehead of senior Elaine Chesoni. Chesoni, currently pursuing an MBA with an emphasis in data analytics and statistics was informed this summer that she had an additional year of eligibility.
"I am just excited to have one more year," said Chesoni. "I'm just trying to keep in mind that this year is a gift and I need to do everything I can to make the most of it and enjoy the experience. It worked out nicely that I could use my fifth year and pursue an upper degree as well.
Although receiving an addition year of eligibility excites Chesoni, her journey to the team was not the easiest. Chesoni is a walk-on and tried out for the team four times before joining the squad last season.
"I tried out three times, freshman, sophomore and junior year and the fourth time was the charm," said Chesoni. "I finally did it!"
Despite being cut from the team three consecutive years, Chesoni's attitude never waivered. Before making the team last season, many factors kept Chesoni working toward her dream of playing tennis for the Broncos.
"A little bit of delusion, a lot of hope, and [joining the tennis team] was just something I always wanted to do," said Chesoni. "It was never a question of could it be done, it was always just eventually I am going to get there. I just needed to keep working hard and make it happen as soon as possible."
Last season, Chesoni went 3-7 in fall singles and helped guide Santa Clara to a semifinals birth in the West Coast Conference Championships. Santa Clara earned a tie for third place after losing to the eventual champion, Pepperdine, in the semifinals.
"Last season was great. It was phenomenal. We had an awesome time," said Chesoni. "We lost in the semis of the conference tournament to the No. 1 seed. We had peaks and valleys during the season and all of our matches were very close. We won a lot of close matches and lost a couple of tough ones, but I think we worked well together and everyone was pushing and fighting"
With one year of eligibility remaining, Chesoni has set goals for the upcoming year, both on the court and away from it as she begins her graduate program.
"I want to make sure the team is working smoothly and working together to push each other," said Chesoni. "We have a really different dynamic this year because we only have four returners, so I think its important to set a good example for the new players and make sure they get into the swing of things quickly. I'd like to take on more of a leadership role. Off the court, I want to survive accounting. By the end of the year, I'd like to take my first actuary exam."
GO BRONCOS!
