2008 Woodie Awards
Mijacika soaring to new heights
After a fantastic freshman year, the Croatian native is ranked No. 4 in the nation.
By: Ronnie Krankowski
Issue date: 6/13/08 Section: Sports
If there are any sports fans that have not heard the name Ani Mijacika, they should start getting accustomed to hearing it.
Mijacika, a sophomore on Clemson University women's tennis team, had a phenomenal freshman year, which garnered attention not just in the college game, but in the tennis world.
She was 20-4 in singles matches and 20-6 in doubles.
Her outstanding record earned a ticket to the national singles tournament and two ACC player of the week awards.
The young Clemson star was also named the 2007 ACC freshman of the year.
Before coming to Clemson, Mijacika had lived all her life off the beaches of Makarska, Croatia, having no intentions of every coming to college in the states to play. "My plan was to stay in Croatia and go to college and play tennis here," said Mijacika.
That was before coach Nancy Harris decided to take a trip to Mijacika to check out Mijacika , who was the number one player in Croatia at the time.
Coach Harris saw all she needed to see when she saw Mijacika win a professional tournament in Croatia.
Harris offered her a scholarship to play tennis for Clemson University. Mijacika jumped at the opportunity and has not regretted it since.
"The differences are huge from Croatia to the college game here in the U.S." The main key for Mijacika has been getting used to the environment. "The big difference is that it is more relaxed here, and I get more support. It is a great feeling."
Last season, two of Mijacika 's four losses came against top 10 opponents, one of them being Audra Cohen of Miami who was the highest-ranked player in the nation, and a 4-6, 6-2, 6-7(4) defeat to No. 10 Natalie Frazier of Georgia.
After the Frazier match, Mijacika went on a hot streak of beating four ranked opponents in a row. "After the Frazier match, my confidence grew and I knew I could hang with the best," said Mijacika.
Being the pre-season No. 4 player in collegiate tennis, Mijacika feels very confident heading into this season and feels that she can be the top ranked player in the nation.
"I feel like there is more pressure on me this coming season and my teammates expect a lot out of me, but I am willing to take on the task," said Mijacika .
This is simply a story of hard work and dedication. Yes, Mijacika could have stayed on the outskirts of Croatia, gone to college and lived a very happy life.
Instead, she chose a different path to excellence.
Coming to the states, not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect, Mijacika took a chance and embarked on the journey of chasing her dream.
Look for a special season out of the Lady Tigers tennis team this year and for Mijacika to soar to new heights.
Mijacika, a sophomore on Clemson University women's tennis team, had a phenomenal freshman year, which garnered attention not just in the college game, but in the tennis world.
She was 20-4 in singles matches and 20-6 in doubles.
Her outstanding record earned a ticket to the national singles tournament and two ACC player of the week awards.
The young Clemson star was also named the 2007 ACC freshman of the year.
Before coming to Clemson, Mijacika had lived all her life off the beaches of Makarska, Croatia, having no intentions of every coming to college in the states to play. "My plan was to stay in Croatia and go to college and play tennis here," said Mijacika.
That was before coach Nancy Harris decided to take a trip to Mijacika to check out Mijacika , who was the number one player in Croatia at the time.
Coach Harris saw all she needed to see when she saw Mijacika win a professional tournament in Croatia.
Harris offered her a scholarship to play tennis for Clemson University. Mijacika jumped at the opportunity and has not regretted it since.
"The differences are huge from Croatia to the college game here in the U.S." The main key for Mijacika has been getting used to the environment. "The big difference is that it is more relaxed here, and I get more support. It is a great feeling."
Last season, two of Mijacika 's four losses came against top 10 opponents, one of them being Audra Cohen of Miami who was the highest-ranked player in the nation, and a 4-6, 6-2, 6-7(4) defeat to No. 10 Natalie Frazier of Georgia.
After the Frazier match, Mijacika went on a hot streak of beating four ranked opponents in a row. "After the Frazier match, my confidence grew and I knew I could hang with the best," said Mijacika.
Being the pre-season No. 4 player in collegiate tennis, Mijacika feels very confident heading into this season and feels that she can be the top ranked player in the nation.
"I feel like there is more pressure on me this coming season and my teammates expect a lot out of me, but I am willing to take on the task," said Mijacika .
This is simply a story of hard work and dedication. Yes, Mijacika could have stayed on the outskirts of Croatia, gone to college and lived a very happy life.
Instead, she chose a different path to excellence.
Coming to the states, not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect, Mijacika took a chance and embarked on the journey of chasing her dream.
Look for a special season out of the Lady Tigers tennis team this year and for Mijacika to soar to new heights.
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