My journey at UCLA started three years before I first stepped foot on campus as a student-athlete. I was traveling with my dad to various California schools, unofficially visiting programs and taking whatever time I could get to speak with the coaches.

First was UC Berkeley, my family’s top choice for me, given the legacy of my relatives there. Next was Stanford, who barely gave me the time of day. Then came UC Santa Barbara – my initial favorite – which, after deeper consideration, paled in comparison to UCLA’s superior academic quality. Finally was UCLA and Coach Billy Martin’s generous offer to have a proper meeting with us. Two hours later, and despite no assurances of having a space on the team, I knew that this was the place for me.

I got straight back to work when I returned home, keenly motivated by even the slightest possibility of representing the Bruins. Division I tennis and beyond – into professionalism – had always been my goal, but two years of grinding and substantial improvements in my game did not guarantee the elusive spot I had been waiting for. The summer prior to my matriculation, I was receiving offers from various schools around the nation, and I had to decide whether I should risk accepting my admission to UCLA – and potentially not play on the team – or go elsewhere with significant scholarship opportunities.

I had narrowed it down to one other school, and I was going to take it. Coach Martin, somehow sensing something was up as he often does so well, rang me the day before I had the acceptance call with the other school and delivered the bittersweet news: “One of our players needs surgery and will be out next season. Given your great academics and tennis, we would love to have you on our team.” I accepted instantly. Not even the visa process – which is usually done in one to three months – could stop me, despite having three weeks left before school started in September.

I thought my challenges were over, but, in reality, they had just begun! The team pushed me to be a better player and person than I thought I could be, and mixing rigorous academics with all the travel and competing was one of the most difficult yet rewarding things I could have done. Thousands of balls hit later, points won and memories made, I can’t believe I am writing this about to graduate and start my next life chapter. While I don’t remember each of the dual meets I participated in, here are just some of my fondest memories looking back at my time as a Bruin:

● Winning our first Pac-12 conference match after a difficult first season.

● Some epic Super Smash Bros. evenings at the many hotels we stayed at.

● Beating USC at home to advance to the NCAA Elite Eight this year.

● Fun week winning the Annual Pacific Coast Doubles Championship at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club with my partner Alexander Hoogmartens.

● Winning the Big Ten Tournament for the first time in program history.

All these are standout events, but nothing can replace the daily camaraderie with my teammates, the seemingly nonstop traveling, the grueling lifts and the constant fine-tuning process that made every day engaging and worthwhile. I am incredibly grateful for my time at UCLA, and I look forward to cheering on the Bruins from a (safe) distance.

Signing off,

Giacomo Revelli

Revelli played for UCLA men’s tennis from 2021 to 2025.