Dec. 6, 2004

by Sam Miller, UI Sports Information

Just before the off-season Illinois freshman Macall Harkins burst through with a blast.

Entering the Midwest Blast, the team's first home tournament and the final event for the fall, the six-foot freshman had four wins and six losses. Harkins then rattled off three consecutive victories at the tournament, including a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 defeat of 58th-ranked Blair DiSesa.

"No doubt she had a huge breakthrough at the Blast. But this is something we saw coming. We all knew of her potential, but what she is finally understanding is the intensity and focus it takes to be very good," Illinois Head Tennis Coach Sujay Lama said.

Harkins says the success is due to a combination of more experience and the support she has received.

"I had confidence in myself and believed that I could win. Coming in to college tennis, it wasn't scary, but to jump from juniors in high school playing, it was a lot more competitive and a lot more stronger players... Other people believing in me helped a lot, too."

One of the steadying influences has been her junior doubles partner, Brianna Knue.

"I have enjoyed it a lot because Bri has been here two years and knows pretty much what goes on. She's really helped me with having confidence in myself. She really gets me pumped up and really gets me excited about everything. It helps me a lot through the pressure points because I get a little nervous on those," Harkins said.

Lama agrees that the two are a good match.

"They got along well and complemented each other with their game style. Macall is solid at the net, whereas Brianna's strengths are her ground strokes. She has helped Macall understand the way we play doubles, and definitely her intensity has rubbed off on Macall, too."

But why would anybody from sunny southern California come to chilly Central Illinois?

"The coaches had a lot to do with it. Sujay and JoAnne (Russell) believe a lot in me. They know my game because they watched me throughout the summer before I started in school here. Talking to them on the phone or through e-mails really helped to get to know them. Having them talk to me and what they want to do with my game really made my decision for me," Harkins said.

Similar to on-court adjustments, off-court adjustments have taken time.

"It was a little bit harder than I thought. I thought it'd be OK, especially having a brother that goes here. It is hard... The whole environment is different. (Weather) was just something that didn't have to be in the back of my mind like `Oh, I have to go somewhere else or go indoors to play.' I always had that advantage of always having some place to hit. I'm getting used to it. Especially having people to come to, like teammates, really helps too," the Verdes Estates native said.

As for the climate differences, Harkins believes playing indoors will be an asset to her arsenal.

"(Cooler weather) will affect (my game) in a positive way because I play a serve and volley game. (Inside) is quicker paced and that's better for my game. It'll hopefully bring it to another level."

The Illini mentor says Harkins' height elevates her game.

"No doubt about it. You can't teach height and reach. Her game style, which is serve and volley, thrives on a big serve and court coverage at the net. It is an intimidating site for her opponent to see her at the net," Lama said.

During the off-season Harkins hopes to rehab from nagging shin-splits which have hindered training.

"The main thing is my shins because that keeps me from training and doing footwork with the team. Hopefully over the break I get the inflammation down and get back into training with them. Otherwise I'm fine," Harkins said.

Lama concurs that the first step in the ascent to the top is to be healthy.

"One of our biggest goals for her is to rehab and be injury free. When that is accomplished... I want her to improve her technique and be one of the mentally toughest players in the country," Lama said.