Tennis player Kaitlin Ray follows her passions, develops into a leader

On a tennis court in Little Rock, Ark., a four-year-old girl stepped into the tennis world for the first time, tagging along as sidekick to her big sister. Now a senior, Kaitlin Ray is no sidekick.

She’s the leader of one of the top teams in the nation, a team of “sisters” looking to repeat as national champions.

“Tennis is her true passion and love,” said sister Erin Ray. “She would pick up a racket two times her size and drag it along with her to the courts.”

As a kid, Kaitlin Ray was an athlete through and through, participating in everything from soccer to gymnastics. But the individual aspects of tennis ultimately elevated it from a hobby to a lifelong passion.

After winning state titles as a freshman and sophomore, Ray became one of the top juniors in the country. However, the rising player was hungry for a challenge and searched for opponents who would test her mettle.

The hunger took her to the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in South Carolina, where she intensified training and perfected her game. The greatest opportunity of her junior career also meant saying goodbye to her biggest supporters – her family.

“When you love somebody, you want them to be happy,” Erin Ray said “And this was about her happiness. It was hard to see her go, but it was easy because we couldn’t deprive her of the opportunities to follow a dream she was dedicated to.”

The drive that led her to Hilton Head, S.C., also directed her to Los Angeles, where she embraced the culture of a school rich in athletic tradition and academic achievement.

Even 2,400 miles away, her impact was immediate.

“Her intensity and work ethic on and off the court raises our team’s level,” said coach Stella Sampras Webster. “Her attitude is what you look for in all players.”

Despite her success, Ray has never had it handed to her. Faced with injuries and adjusting to a challenging course load her first two years in Westwood, she fought to persevere and grow.

A dominant freshman campaign, where she compiled a 29-3 record in singles, was followed by a season riddled with injuries, including a tendon strain and a foot injury.

Left on the sidelines for all but six matches, Ray became the team’s biggest cheerleader and encouraged them as they navigated a tough slate of matches.

After watching her team’s season end in the NCAA semifinals, she returned to the court determined to guide the Bruins back to the top of the college tennis world.

Aided by a coaching staff with a wealth of knowledge, Ray transformed from an unsure freshman adjusting to life in California to a leader brimming with confidence, a player who anchored the team against the toughest opponents.

“With these experiences, I’ve gained perspective,” Ray said. “UCLA stripped me down, but then it built me up again and taught me to be stronger.”

Perspective also came from her teammates as their bonds evolved and relationships deepened.

From ambushing each other with water guns on Śmigus-Dyngus day to cheering each other on as they traverse the country, Ray said her experiences with her teammates have been the crux of her four years as a Bruin.

“This group of girls, they’re great players and great people.” Ray said. “I’ll always remember laughing with them and competing and fighting alongside them.”

Having sat out the Bruins’ last four matches and with just three conference matches – including Saturday’s senior day against Utah – left, Ray said she treasures the dwindling time with the teammates she calls her sisters. Even as she prepares to go after new dreams, whether it be playing professionally or attending law school, she said she leaves UCLA a different person from when she came.

“Freshman Kaitlin was afraid to fail,” Ray said. “I’m not afraid anymore. I’ve learned to go for the things you want because you’re capable of a lot more then you think you are.”

But her Arkansas family and UCLA family knew all along – she’s capable of anything.