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April 13, 2007
Virginiasports.com caught up with senior tennis player Caroline Hammond for a question and answer session. She talked about the final matches of the season, her memories of her career, and her plans for the future.
What has gone through your mind this week as you prepare for the final two home matches of your career?
Caroline Hammond: It’s not just my last two matches here, but they are our team’s last two matches before the ACC Tournament. We are coming off two great wins, matches we really needed to win. I am happy we came out on top and did what was expected of us. I think that gives us a lot of confidence going into this weekend. Both Clemson and Georgia Tech are ranked high and they are very tough teams. If we play hard, in this sport anything can happen.
Looking back over the past four years, what memory or memories stand out most in your mind?
CH: Hopefully we can have a repeat of our senior day last year, when we won against Miami. I hadn’t been in the lineup the whole time, but I was given the opportunity to play late in the season, including that Miami match. They were ranked No. 6 in the country at the time and we came out with a win. It was definitely one that was not expected. I think of all of us were proud of that result and it was certainly one of the highlights of my career. In that match, I was not only a part of the team, I was a part of that win. I won my match and helped the team get that big victory.
How has your role on the team differed this season as you are the only senior and one of only two junior and seniors?
CH: It has definitely been a big change. It has been a little bit of a challenge only having two older players on the team. Obviously we are trying to be leaders. But the younger people on the team are also leaders in terms of their tennis ability. I know they have it in them to be leaders off the court as well.
You saw a big change happen in the middle of your career. How was the transition from playing for Phil Rogers your first two seasons to Mark Guilbeau the last two?
CH: Definitely the change from Phil to Mark was big in terms of their coaching techniques. For me, the past four years have been a self-motivating experience. I have always tried to do a little bit extra. It has always been on how much I am willing to give. I think with Mark and Troy’s (Porco) coaching, it has allowed me to improve. They had confidence in me, and helped me with my game. I think I have definitely seen a change in my game over the past four years. It has been very exciting and fun for me.
What are your plans once you graduate this spring.
CH: I am about to accept a job in D.C. This summer, I am hopefully going to have a good time, spend time with friends, go home to Williamsburg, and hopefully go on vacation a few times. I will start in September in D.C. with a sales position. I am really excited about it. I won’t be too far away from home, and not too far away from Charlottesville so I can come back and watch the team next year. I am really excited for the next stage of my life.
You mentioned about being close to home. How much did it mean to you to be only a few hours away from home at UVa and that allowed your parents to come to almost every match of your career?
CH: It has been amazing. I think sometimes it is easy to take it for granted. Sometimes you almost expect them to be there. But I realize how important it is to have that support. They have always encouraged me through my wins and losses. They have been there for me, and have also been there for the team. I think the team has enjoyed having them there as well. I have been so fortunate to have such wonderful parents. I know a lot of times, that isn’t the case for some people. Being close to home has been nice because they have been able be here in two hours. But they also went to a lot of the away matches and that always made me feel good.