Jecminkova, Chuda Talk About Their Four Years As Members Of The Wildcat Tennis Team
Apr 19, 2002 | Tennis
April 19, 2002
MANHATTAN, KAN. -
Czech Republic natives Alena Jecminkova and Kathy Chuda chose to play tennis for Kansas State four years ago. Now in their last year they are able to look back on their journey since their arrival.
Jecminkova, K-State's No. 1 singles player holds an overall record of 15-12 this season and for the past two years has been invited to the NCAA Tournament.
Chuda began as a Wildcat in her sophomore year starting at the No. 5 spot. In her final year she now competes at No. 2 and attains the best dual record on the team at 11-5.
Head coach Steve Bietau is pleased with the performances and leadership they have brought to the court.
"Together they have probably won over 200 matches. We have been in the top half of our conference the past two years, and they have been an important part of that," Bietau said. "They bring a good level of tennis to the program, and they have developed into good ambassadors for the team."
However, the journey of success for Jecminkova and Chuda was not easy.
"That year (freshman season) is something that I'll never forget," said Jecminkova. "I didn't know what to expect and didn't know how to speak English. The culture was different and I didn't get to meet people from other countries like I had before. That whole experience is something that I'll never forget."
A new language, culture and a different level of tennis was just the beginning for the pair. Injuries were also the case in their first season as Wildcats.
Jecminkova missed the fall season with ankle surgery and Chuda missed five matches because of a back injury.
However, things started to change for the better the following season.
Jecminkova became just the second Wildcat to reach the NCAA Tournament. "That was surprising for me," Jecminkova said. "I didn't expect to make it."
Chuda believes the upset of Baylor in the spring of 2000 was when things began to change for the better.
"Things started falling into place for us," Chuda said. "I think we started to understand each other and what Steve expected out of us and what we needed to do."
In their junior year, K-State finished fifth in the Big 12 and in the final ITA rankings they were No. 55. Jecminkova made history qualifying for two NCAA Singles Championships.
Chuda, after beginning her first year at No. 3 singles, moved up on the depth chart to her final spot at No. 2 singles.
"That is personally gratifying," she said. "I always wanted to play at a higher number because I was winning at the other spots but the other girls were winning too."
Bietau is proud of Chuda's accomplishments as a Wildcat.
"It is not that the team has gotten weaker, she has just improved," he said. 'For her to move up to the No. 2 spot and have a winning record - it's probably one of the bigger stories for our team this year. (It's) made our lineup that much stronger."
Jecminkova wants her senior season to reach the NCAA Tournament just as her previous two seasons. "Since it's my last year I would like to make it and be able to finish in a higher position than where I was last year."
Following graduation, Jecminkova hopes to stay around Manhattan and to see if she is accepted into occupational therapy school, but if a career in tennis should happen that also would be gratifying.
Chuda has fulfilled her goal she had planned before she arrived to K-State. "I wanted to have a good finish of my career." As for after graduation in May 2003, Chuda plans to search for a job. If that doesn't work she will consider going back to the Czech Republic.
Jecminkova and Chuda play their final regular season match Saturday against Nebraska in Lincoln.
"No, I don't regret choosing to come here," Chuda said. "I have learned so much about other cultures and people from other continents. I have enjoyed being a member of a team, it has been fun."
"They are leaders," Bietau said. "It is important especially for those who have been in the program to set an example for others, and they have done a good job this year. They leave a big hole to fill for next year."
