University of Oregon
Loyola Marymount
Nasser Enters Spring Season with Strong Mentality
01/16/19 | Women's Tennis
Daniela Nasser looks to make the most of her senior season as the Ducks face Loyola Marymount on Friday in their home opener.
As senior Daniela Nasser enters her final spring season, there are some things she will inevitably do for the last time in her collegiate career.
One is approaching Friday when Nasser will take the court for her final home opener as the Ducks host Loyola Marymount (5 p.m. PT) to begin the spring dual season. Nasser acknowledges that there is something slightly bittersweet about her time in an Oregon uniform coming to an end, but that the season ahead also has boundless potential.Â
"I know I'm going to miss it so much," said Nasser. "But I'm also just excited and feel like I've been playing the best tennis that I have been since being here, so I just want to keep going and see where it goes."
The Tampa, Fla., native enters dual season as one of the top players in the nation, checking in at No. 50 in the ITA singles rankings – the first time in her career that she has been ranked.Â
Nasser explained some of the keys to appearing in the national rankings include gaining a new perspective with first-year head coach Courtney Nagle and focusing on efficient footwork. But as the years have gone on, the senior has also recognized that skills are not the main factor that determines her success.Â
"(Being ranked) reiterates that you can be on the court with anyone," Nasser said. "College tennis is not about talent, it's about who wants it more and who's willing to dig things out even if it's looking tough."
Nasser proved this over and over again during fall season, winning four three-set matches and beating three ranked players on her way to the best start of her collegiate career. She also qualified for ITA All-Americans this past fall, another first for the senior.Â
"I had two goals coming into senior year," Nasser said. "One was to play in All-Americans and the other was to be ranked."
Nasser accomplished both because she knows that her success is dependent on a strong mentality.Â
It's easy to see that this philosophy has guided how she has played throughout her career, even if she just began to articulate it in her senior season. It was undoubtedly present her sophomore year after going down 0-3 in the third set against UCLA at the Pac-12 Championships. Nasser ended up winning the third set, 7-5, proving her theory yet again.`
"I don't know," said Nasser. "I just kind of went in the zone and it felt like nothing could stop me"
Her victory decided the match between Oregon and the Bruins, giving the Ducks their first win against UCLA in program history.Â
Moments like these are what Nasser will leave behind at the end of April. But for now an entire season lies ahead, filled with the opportunity to add more feats to her legacy.Â
"Time goes by so fast," said Nasser. "Everything (the team has) gone through in the past three years has made me better. It makes me want to make this year – the last year – the best year."
