In her freshman season for the Elon University women’s tennis team, Erica Braschi went 13-4 in singles out of the No. 3 and 4 slots, one of many bright spots in a strong inaugural season in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) for the Phoenix.
Amid injuries and a schedule that has featured six ranked opponents, the Phoenix has failed to channel last season’s success, sporting a 2-8 record.
Along the way, Braschi has moved up to the No. 2 singles slot. It would be reasonable to expect a sophomore slump given these circumstances. But Braschi prefers not to dwell on the past.
“I try not to think about last year too much just because I didn’t wanna come in with too much expectation,” she said. “Every day is a new day, and every opponent is a new opponent.”
This approach has worked well for Braschi. Despite Elon’s struggles and the tougher competition at the No. 2 slot, Braschi leads the Phoenix with seven singles victories this season.
“[There are] two big things for me,” Braschi said. “My faith — I rely on that so much — and my fitness.”
Her work ethic has set an example both on and off the court for the team, as she grows in her leadership role for the Phoenix. She even brought some of her teammates with her to her native Puerto Rico over winter break to prepare for the regular season.
“She definitely is a great leader on our team,” said head coach Elizabeth Anderson. “[She] works really hard [and is] very positive and has some great results. I’m really happy with what she’s contributed to this team.”
Despite the team’s tough start to the season, Braschi’s leadership will be a key element to team success going forward, especially if she keeps playing as well as she has so far.
“We’ve had a tough start to the season but I think this is just motivating us,” Braschi said. “I just want to encourage my teammates that what matters is from here to the conference championships. Leave everything else that has happened behind.”