Oklahoma State University Athletics
How I Got Here: Vladica Babic
November 20, 2014 | Cowgirl Tennis
STILLWATER, Okla. - "How I Got Here" is a series that asks Oklahoma State athletes to detail their athletic background and careers and how they got to where they are now. Today's edition features women's tennis player Vladica Babic from Podgorica, Montenegro.
When did you get started in tennis?
“A little bit before I turned six years old. I was really hyperactive, and my parents told me to play some sports. So they had to choose between karate and tennis. As a kid at six years old I wanted to do both. I started with tennis, I liked it and just continued playing.”
Who was you idol in tennis growing up?
“I like all players, everybody who was good I liked them. I really like Lindsey Davenport and Kim Clijsters. They were my role models because I like the way they play and move on the court. Unfortunately, they don't play anymore because they both retired, but I still admire them and what they achieved.”
How did you end up at OSU?
“Coach Young saw me playing when he went to go see Kat (Adamovic) playing in Serbia. We played doubles together and he kind of liked me and my game, then we started talking. I wasn't considering going to a university two years ago when I met him, but I suffered some injuries that didn't allow me to play professionally. I decided to come to college because if I had stayed back at home, I probably would have never played tennis again because the conditions are really bad. Especially, because I'm 19 years old, and we don't have universities that provide sport and studying. It's just mostly studying and I would probably dedicate all my time to studying and wouldn't have time for tennis. I'm really happy I came here because I think this is a great opportunity for everyone that wants to continue playing (tennis) and to get an education.”
What are your tennis goals while at OSU?
“I definitely want to improve my game and start playing better. I think we have great conditions and facilities. I think it's very good for me because there are a lot of girls on the team and we can all play together because back at home I didn't have anyone I could play matches with. I would just have my head coach and my dad to play with and it would be a big change to have to go to a tournament because I'm not used to playing with someone. It's really good here because we could all hit with each other and we have coaches who do individuals with us. I think this is really a great opportunity and a great place to improve your game. One of my goals is to play my best game, enjoy playing in the first place and bring as many titles as I can to OSU. And in the summer while there is no school play some professional tournaments to see how everything is going and if I could still come back maybe to the professional (level).”
Did your dad play tennis?
“No, he never played tennis. He's a policeman, but when I started (playing tennis) he started with me. He was coming to every practice and after practice I would be like “Dad let's do this, let's play.” Then we would just spend a lot of time together on the courts and there was one parking lot that we would always go to. It was some building no one used and a parking lot that was empty, so we would bring a net and play there. We played and practiced for years, and literally prepared there for tournaments. He is my biggest support and I wouldn't achieved what I have achieved without my dad and his support.”
