Rocha Readies Raquet
by Kim Oswell, Daily 49er
November 2, 2005 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." |
