At the start of the spring semester, a fresh face appeared on the ‘Canes’ women’s tennis team when Austria native Patricia Starzyk transferred to UM.
While she adjusts to an unfamiliar country, her tennis ransition was seamless. In Austria, Starzyk was the national champion from 1994 to 2000. Since the start of her first season as a ‘Cane, Starzyk has maintained an exemplary singles record at the fourth and fifth singles positions.
Starzyk became interested in tennis when she watched her father and brother play recreationally. She asked her father to teach her at the age of 10.
Starzyk initiated correspondence with the University of Miami’s tennis team in an attempt to come to America and play on a competitive team.
“I knew several girls in Austria that went to universities in the U.S. For me, it became a dream to play tennis on a team and get an American degree,” Starzyk said. “I had heard of the reputation Miami’s tennis team had so I contacted them.”
After seeing her r