Q&A with Claire Bartlett

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The Virginia women’s tennis team returns home this weekend to host a pair of top 25 ACC foes at the Snyder Tennis Center. The No. 22 Cavaliers (10-4, 3-2 ACC) host No. 25 Florida State on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and No. 5 Miami on Sunday at 11 a.m. VirginiaSports.com caught up with freshman Claire Bartlett to review the season thus far and to preview the rest of the season.

Question: What has been the biggest adjustment for you to go from junior tennis to college tennis?

Bartlett: It is just a different feeling to be on a team. In juniors, it is just you out there. Now you are out there and have your teammates depending on you. It is great to play knowing they are behind you and supporting you, just the same way you are there to support them. In college, it is all about working together as a team.

Question: How hard was it for you to make the transition from the individual season in the fall to the team season in the spring when you had to come back from an injury early in the spring?

Bartlett: It has been difficult. (Coaches) Mark (Guilbeau) and Troy (Porco) have really helped me get back into the lineup. They have done lots of individual practices to help and given me a lot of instruction in my game. It is still going to take some time until I am where I want to be, but my game is coming back and I see the improvement each day.

Question: Are you seeing an improvement with each match you play?

Bartlett: For the most part, yes. Last week was tough for all of us. I see improvements in little things in my game with each match. As all those things add up, you play better as a whole and hopefully that will continue.

Question: How have the three veterans on the team helped you and all of the other newcomers on the roster make the transition to this level?

Bartlett: They have done a great job showing us how the game is at this level. They have been there to help us, whether that is answering questions, giving advice, or helping us through drills in practice.

Question: Last week at Georgia Tech and Clemson, you had your first opportunity to see how strong the teams at the top of the ACC are. What did you learn from those matches that will help you later in the season?

Bartlett: We had played some tough teams earlier in the season, but last week’s matches were a much higher level. It taught me what to expect in those types of matches so I am better prepared.

Question: This weekend you play Florida State and Miami. As long as the weather is good, it will be your first chance to play at the Snyder Tennis Center. What are expecting from the matches?

Bartlett: I can’t wait to get a chance to play outdoors at home. Hopefully playing here on Grounds will help us get some more fans out to the matches. We are playing two great teams this weekend and we are excited for these matches.