Schnack ‘Blessed’ to Play for Sacramento Capitals in First WTT Season
For Yasmin Schnack (pictured to the left), a former NCAA doubles semifinalist in 2010 and winner of the Pac-10 title, the chance to play with her hometown Sacramento Capitals is a dream come true.
“I went to my first World TeamTennis match about four years ago and had so much fun watching. I always thought, ‘Wow, it would be awesome to actually be on court playing,' ” she said. “I'm still in shock that I was chosen, but I couldn't be happier.”
Playing at home has a number of advantages for the 23-year old Schnack. She explained that “there’s this extra energy from the [home] crowd that gets you even more pumped up.” She continued, “I'm excited to play in front of my family and friends.”
Schnack, who turned pro after a stellar college career, has moved to 393 in singles and 220 in doubles and made a run to the doubles finals at the $25K Plantation ITF event this year. She’s also been a semifinalist at two other $25K events in 2011.
About her improved results on tour, Schnack said, “I feel great about my game at the moment. My ranking has been steadily climbing and the more tournaments I play, the more confident I feel.”
A recent graduate from UCLA, Schnack has fond memories of playing on the women’s tennis team. “In 2008, we won the NCCA team title. It was the best feeling and I'll never forget all the good -- and tough -- times with my teammates. It’s one thing to win a title yourself, but to fight hard and win with your teammates is something entirely different,” she said.
Part of Schnack’s excitement about being with the Capitals this season is playing alongside one of her best friends, Vania King. “Mardy [Fish], Vania, and Mark [Knowles] are incredibly talented and highly ranked players and I feel honored to play alongside them. Vania is one of my best friends and we played juniors together so I'm really happy I get to travel and play with her again,” she said.
Schnack is optimistic about her first WTT season and her career. “I am so blessed to be a Sacramento Capitals player and I hope I can be a great teammate, play amazing tennis, and most importantly have fun. This is such an amazing opportunity for me and I know this experience will help my professional career,” she said.