CBS SportsLine.com
SportsLine.com
May 29, 2001

Granville helped the Cardinal win its 11th NCAA championship this week. (usta.com)

Our USA Tennis Month chat series concluded with a conversation with the No. 1 women's college player in the U.S., Laura Granville of Stanford.

Granville helped the Cardinal win its 11th NCAA championship this week and is in the process of defending her 2000 NCAA singles title this weekend in Stone Mountain, Ga.

Granville, from Chicago, won the 1998 and 1999 USTA National Girls' 18 singles title, becoming the first player since Tracy Austin (1977-78) to repeat as USTA Girls' 18s singles champion.

Laura Granville: Thanks for coming! I just got back from the NCAAs in Atlanta. I am back at school studying for finals in my second year at Stanford. I will be happy to take your questions.

Question: Who got you started in tennis and how old were you? I started when I was about 4 years old. My parents signed me up for the Tiny Tots program at our club in Chicago. I played from then on. I played other sports also but started focusing on tennis when I was about 8 years old.

Question: How important is it to start playing when you are really young (say under 6 years old)?

Laura Granville: I don't think it is THAT important. Starting before or after 6 isn't a big deal but playing tournaments young is an advantage. I started at 7 and for the 12 and unders had 5 years of experience. Starting at least by 9 or 10 is definitely an advantage.

Question: What is the best thing a parent can do if their child shows a serious interest in tennis?

Laura Granville: Just be supportive. My parents were supportive when I showed an interest. They took me to lessons, signed me up for tournaments. I think it is good to notice and support the child's interest. They are young and often don't know what to do other than enjoy playing. So it is important to be involved, take them to tournaments and sign them of for tournaments. Especially when the child is younger.

Question: What do you think about USA Tennis Month and what it offers to the youngsters (like the free lessons)?

Laura Granville: I think the USA Tennis Month is important. Just because it makes kids more aware of tennis and gives things like free lessons and tries to get kids interested in tennis. Any way we can do that is a good thing. Especially having talks with the college and junior players. Anything to get kids interested is great!

Question: What was it about the game that appealed to you?

Laura Granville: When I was younger I liked the individual aspect. I enjoyed competing on teams but I enjoyed that it was one person against the other. I also enjoyed how competitive it was. I liked going to the tournaments and meeting the other kids as well.

Question: With all your success now, both with the NCAA and the 18's titles are you thinking pro, or are you sure to complete your degree?

Laura Granville: Actually it is something I have been trying to wrestle with this year. I am pretty sure I will turn pro after this year. I really love college and it has been a great experience. But after winning the NCAAs a 2nd time it will be hard to come back and finish my degree right now. I will probably come back and finish it when I am older.

Question: What is the hardest thing about being a student athlete?

Laura Granville: I think balancing the two areas is extremely difficult. It is hard to put in the time needed to be a great student and the time needed to be a good tennis players. That and have a social life too! There are only so many hours in a day. It is something tennis players and all athletes have to deal with. It does get easier over time, but it is still a difficult thing.

Question: I got a friend in college who is the #1 player at his university. Do you know if it will be difficult to turn pro and get in the big tourneys like Wimbledon?

Laura Granville: Especially for someone in college it is a tough choice. Just because someone is ranked #1 at their school, it doesn't mean turning pro is the right decision. I don't know how easy it would be for him to get wildcards into tournaments. I think it is something he will have to look at before making that big choice.

Question: What would you tell other girls who'd like to continue their tennis careers after high school?

Laura Granville: I would recommend it to anyone who loves tennis and plays in high school to play in college. It is such a great experience. Besides high school it is the only time you get to play on a team. It has been incredible. It is also a lot different from junior tennis and high school tennis. You spend so much time with the team that you all become close. it is a positive experience in many ways.

Question: What professional players do you like to watch? Who's style do you think you most resemble?

Laura Granville: I like to watch Martina Hingis play. Because of her shot selection and her placement wins matches. I like Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles. They are my three favorite players to watch. I think my game is similar to someone like Monica Seles or Lindsay Davenport. An aggressive baseliner. I have been working on my serve and trying to get that better.

Question: Who was your biggest competition in the singles matches? What other up and coming young players should we be watching for besides yourself?

Laura Granville: I had one three setter with Jessica Linhoff. That was a tough match. Every one of my matches was tough. I would have to say the finals were my toughest. It was difficult because I was playing a teammate. Lauren Kalvaria played great and it was a tough match throughout.

Question: When you are in competition, what is a typical day like?

Laura Granville: Waking up, having a good breakfast, and going out and warming up. I try to stay focused and play the match. I focus on it and try not to do other things that day. Also getting a good night's sleep is important as well.

Question: When you were younger how often did you train during the week? What was your mix of private lessons, match play and junior development?

Laura Granville: I would play 5 days a week probably. In the winter I could only play indoors so I would play after school for an hour a day. Since there weren't many other juniors around I would hit with my coach or a pro. I didn't play all that much. Just when there were time and courts available. When I was a junior I think I probably had 2 or 3 private lessons a week and a couple group lessons. I tried to play a lot of tournaments. Local, section and later on national tournaments. I think that going out and playing is one of the best ways to get better.

Question: What criteria did you keep in mind when selecting a college and it's tennis program?

Laura Granville: The main criteria for me was a good tennis program and good academics. Both are important to me. I only looked at a select number of schools. The coaches were a key and the climate. Also the kids in the program, whether you get along with them. I was also looking at academics as well as tennis.

Question: What are you majoring in at Stanford. If not tennis, what would you be doing in the future?

Laura Granville: Actually, I haven't decided. I have to decide before the beginning of my junior year. Since I'm going to be leaving, I will probably declare when I come back and then decide what I will major in. I actually haven't thought too far ahead. Deciding to go on the Tour is enough! I haven't decided what I will do afterwards. I didn't give it too much thought in the past few years because my goal was to turn pro. I was focusing on that.

Question: What was the key to Stanford winning the NCAA title?

Laura Granville: It is interesting you should ask that! Last year was such a disappointment for our team. We had high hopes of winning and lost in a close final. This year we had a strong motivation. The feeling we had last year was brutal and we came into this year with a goal in mind. We were a very cohesive team. We all got along. In the months leading up to the NCAA's we focused on it a lot and peaked going in. We had some captains on the team that kept everyone focused and brought everyone together.

Question: When you are away from the courts, what do you like to do?

Laura Granville: I love to hang out with my friends. Doing the things that kids do. Going to movies and parties. I like to hang out with my teammates and other friends from school, too. I try to do things that have nothing to do with tennis!

Question: Do you think going to the pros will force you to change coaches?

Laura Granville: Obviously I can't stay with my college coaches. They have been great tho. I'm not sure what I'll do on that front. I haven't thought about that much. I will travel with someone though. It helps, especially at the beginning. I will definitely keep in touch with the people I have worked with. It is important.

Question: Where can someone write to you to get your autograph?

Laura Granville: They could probably write to me care of Stanford University.

Laura Granville: Thanks so much for coming. I hope my answers helped. Thanks for everything! Bye!