Briceno Finds a Home at Alabama
2/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Tennis
TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Freshman Nicole Briceno’s journey to Alabama was beset with road blocks and setbacks but with determination and will, she turned a potentially career ending injury into the motivation necessary to continue her career at the next level.
As a sophomore in high school, Briceno tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) which sidelined her for the remainder of the year as well as half of the next season. Unable to compete, Briceno slipped from the rankings and found herself not recruited.
Briceno considered not returning to the game but tennis was her life so she ignored the retirement advice coming from her teammates and friends and worked hard to get her knee back into shape.
“I had to wear a big knee brace and everyone doubted my ability to compete,” said Briceno. “Everyone that played me thought I would be easy to beat because I looked like I couldn’t move. They would say ??just move her and she won’t be able to get to the ball’.”
Over the course of the year Nicole fought her way back into the lineup and eventually made it to the state championship match. Briceno won the championship, defeating future Furman tennis player Laura Gioia.
“The win inspired me and showed me that I should never give up on my dreams”, stated Briceno. “I was depressed after surgery because tennis is my life and when I won I started to cry.”
Briceno used that same mentality when it came time to apply for college. With the injury, Briceno did not get as much exposure as her counterparts, therefore, most college coaches didn’t even know she existed.
Briceno wrote every Division I coach in the United States and asked to be a part of their team. As a follow up, Briceno sent tapes to everyone who was interested. One coach in particular was Jenny Mainz. Mainz looked at Nicole’s tape and knew there was talent there. She contacted Nicole and invited her to visit Alabama’s campus.
Nicole instantly felt at home with her future teammates and liked Mainz’s energetic and enthusiastic style of coaching and her support of the team. Nicole, looking for a place to belong, found a home away from home.
“Nicole is a tenacious competitor,” said Mainz. “Her greatest attribute is that she is absolutely unwilling to yield on the court. She understands the court well and is capable of making the necessary adjustments. Nicole is fun to coach because she is so versatile and possesses a wide repertoire in her toolbox.”
One of four freshmen on the roster, Briceno has risen to the challenge and been a positive addition to the Crimson Tide squad. In her first three dual matches, she has posted two doubles victories and one singles victory, clinching the match against No. 44 Colorado.
Briceno and the Tide will be in action again this weekend, hosting No. 72 Furman Friday, Feb. 9 and Iowa Saturday, Feb. 11.
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