Photo Courtesy of Fresno State Athletics
As one of five freshmen recruited for this season’s women’s tennis team, Bianca Modoc has proved that her spot in the Bulldog elite, after achieving this week’s Verizon Wireless Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tennis Player of the Week Award.
Modoc grew up along the beaches of Orange County with her parents and two older brothers. She knew when she watched one of her older brothers, Sergiu, a Fresno State Bulldog from 2002-06 for the men’s tennis team, she wanted to follow in his footsteps.
At the age of five, she began playing for fun and three or so years later she decided to embark in tournament competition. Modoc was ranked No. 1 in Under 12 and Under 14 singles and No. 3 in 18 and under singles in the state of California.
Despite having the opportunity to go to school close to home with an offer from UC Irvine, as well as Oregon, Modoc knew she wanted to play for Fresno State and its great program just like her brother did.
As a freshman, Modoc has improved her game immensely with her fall singles statistics 4-6 overall and doubles 4-2 overall.
Most notably was her recent contribution to her team’s competition this past weekend against Idaho, Hawaii and San Jose State. She pushed the team to a jumpstart in conference play with a 3-0 record, with a combined 6-0 in singles and 3-0 in doubles.
Her doubles matches with teammate Melissa McQueen were a great start to the competitive play that occurred over the weekend.
“We actually have been switching it up a lot,” Modoc said. “So, me and Melissa have finally found our groove and have been playing very well together.”
In singles she dominated against competitors Silvia Irimescu from Idaho, San Jose State’s Anna Guzman and a super-tiebreaker win over Hawaii’s Barabara Pinterova.
This is the first WAC honor of the week that Modoc has received, but she does so with open arms.
“I was excited to hear I got it,” Modoc said. “It is a nice opportunity.”
Q&A
When did you begin playing tennis?
I started playing tennis just for fun around 5 years old, because my older brother Sergiu, who went here [Fresno State]. I always saw him and my dad play and I just picked it up for fun, then around eight or 10 I really started enjoying it and started playing in competitive tournaments and then I wanted to go to college.
What made you choose Fresno as your prime choice school to play tennis at the collegiate level?
Basically, the tennis program here. Simon [Fresno State women’s head tennis coach] and the tennis program.
How did you feel Saturday after going undefeated for the weekend in your singles and doubles matches?
It felt really nice, because we had a bit of a streaky start at the beginning. So, it was nice to get some wins under our belts and some confidence.
What is your favorite part about the game of tennis?
Probably just being with the team with the high intensity and competition.
Achieving the WAC Tennis Player of the Week is a major accomplishment, how did you feel when you heard the news?
It was exciting, because players like AP [Anastasia Petukhova] and Remi [Boutillier] always get it. So, it was nice to get it for a change.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time outside playing tennis?
I like music. I’m into movies. I like going to the beach since I am from Orange County, so the beach is always nearby.