Rock tennis freshman travels from Spain to compete

Published by adviser, Author: Doug Gilghrist - Rocket Contributor, Date: February 26, 2015
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The number one singles player on the Slippery Rock University tennis team is nearly 4,000 miles away from her hometown, and she is looking to continue the tradition of excellence that SRU tennis has become known for.

Born and raised in the town of Talavera de la Reina in the province of Toledo, Spain, Carla Corrochano Moracho has been playing tennis for 13 years, since the age of five. She is majoring in business at SRU.

Corrochano decided to come to SRU in the fall, after graduating from high school at Colegio Santa Maria del Prado, Hermanos Maristas.

Corrochano’s decision to come to SRU was mainly for athletic purposes. She said that the level of competition here in the United States is better than in Spain. Her search came down to four colleges before deciding on Slippery Rock.

“After seeing how this university was and after talking to the tennis coach, I chose Slippery Rock University, because I really enjoyed the campus, the business and tennis programs, the location and what was going to be my tennis team,” Corrochano said.

Corrochano said that playing tennis as a part of a team is a new experience for her.

“Back in Spain, all these years I’ve been playing tennis, I’ve never played on a team,” Corrachano said. “I just played tournaments by myself. Both when I lost and when I won, it was only for me, but now that I am on a team, the score is not only for you but for the team.”

As a freshman, Corrochano has been given the honor of playing both No. 1 singles and doubles for the Rock. In her short college career, she has amassed a 1-1 singles record in team play, as well as a 1-2 record in tournament play.

In doubles play, Corrochano has teamed with fellow freshman Nina Barbano. They have played to a 1-1 record in team competition, as well as a 1-2 record in tournament play.

Corrochano said she’s excited about being the number one player on the team.

“Being number one mainly makes me feel really motivated, because I know I’m going to be playing against really good players that will make me improve my game,” Corrochano said.

Corrochano has some big expectations this season for herself and the team.

“Individually, I would say improve my game, win most of the games and end the season as one of the best players in the conference,” Corrochano said. “As a team, of course I hope to win the conference, but I also know that will be tough. We’re a young team this season, but I really like the team and I trust my teammates and coach enough to believe that if we keep practicing and playing every singles game with intensity and concentration, we’ll do really well this season.”

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