IRVINE, Calif. --- The second new 'Eater to the mix has two years of college experience behind her, but is a makes her return to the Southern California with Head Coach Mike Edles and his squad.
"Taylor is a strong all-court player who thrives in competition," noted coach Edles. "With two years of collegiate play under her belt, her maturity and experience should be quite valuable to our team. We are delighted she has chosen the 'Eaters."
LeFridge took the SWAC by storm at Prairie View A&M University the last two seasons. Last season as a sophomore, she shone as the Panthers' No. 1 singles player going 11-4 while going 4-10 overall as the No. 1 doubles. She dropped the opposing No. 1 from ranked schools such as Rice and Kansas State, and took home the HBCU Tournament singles consolation crown en route to winning SWAC Player of the Year honors.
As a freshman, she even defeated Yang Pang of Arkansas ranked No. 59 at the time to help her take home All-SWAC First Team singles and doubles honors.
LeFridge has enjoyed some college success, but is even more exciting for what is to come.
"UC Irvine has been my dream school since I was 13 years old. UC Irvine is one of the top schools in the nation academically and athletically, and THE school to attend in the Big West Conference as well as among the top universities in the nation."
The vocal LeFridge could not contain her excitement for what she was getting in to.
"Why you ask? Well, where do I start? The academics, faculty, facilities, athletics, location, etc. Who would not want to part of such a multi-layered, enriching environment?! I believe UC Irvine will challenge me on so many levels and I welcome the opportunity. I feel honored to be attending such a stellar institution."
The honor and challenge will present itself with the Anteaters, a team looking to return to the postseason especially following a disappointing end to the 2015 in the Big West Semifinals.
"I look forward to joining a team full of talented young ladies that are going to help push me to my full potential. I also hope to push them to theirs. It is exciting to know that the men's tennis team is talented. To be part of a winning tradition with dedicated team members is a point of pride."
The overflowing pride the junior is filled with comes from a love for the area and Southern California. LeFridge grew up in Corona and attended Santiago High School where she captained them to one of their three CIF appearances. She was a part of the league champion squad as a sophomore, and picked up individual titles in singles, as a senior, and doubles, as a freshman.
Her talents were evident on the juniors circuit as well reaching as high as the No. 3-ranked player in June 2013. She took home titles in the Ojai Tournament in 2013 as part of the 18 Doubles division and a two-time USTA/SCTA Sportsmanship Award winner at the ages of 14 and 15.
The resume shows though that LeFridge brings many facets to her tennis game, namely the enthusiasm, work ethic, and pride in the classroom.
"As a psychology major, I would like to utilize my education from UCI to become a Sports Psychologist. I am looking forward to studying in one of the top psychology departments."
Her talents may double as a psychologist for the program. Additional activities she's been tied to were Living In Fellowship Together or LIFT which is a disabilities ministry program, and also been a tennis instructor during her time in Colorado.
"I would like the UC Irvine community to know that I'm really excited to join the institution and intend to do and be my best in the classroom as well as on the tennis court. I have always been taught to run towards life and go full-steam ahead after my goals, and not let anything or anyone come between what I work for. The UCI community will soon learn, I live my life with the motto of 'NEVER QUIT!' If I fall short of my goal, it will never be because I did not try and what may not work out today will indeed pay off tomorrow. I love to learn and I enjoy turning challenges into opportunities. I know UCI is most definitely THE place for me! Go Eaters! Zot Zot Zot!"
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