With all the time, effort and money spent on NCAA recruitment in the 21st century, it is easy to overlook the commitment and success of non-scholarship players.
But as any player or coach will tell you, they bring an invaluable component to the team.
Freshman Amanda Rales is the perfect example.
With eight of 13 players on the Virginia women's tennis team on scholarship, succeeding without a scholarship makes the tale of success even more amazing.
In three years of high school tennis in Bethesda, Md., Rales was a three-time team MVP and three-time Washington Post all-metro selection.
Now in Charlottesville, Rales is more than happy with her status and is ready to make a big splash in the women's tennis program.
"I'm honored and privileged to be part of the team," Rales said.
In the fall, she posted an impressive and team-leading 12-5 singles record. With only one semester under her belt, Rales resembles the other eight scholarship players on the team.
"I don't think anyone looks at non-scholarship players being in a certain position," coach Mark Guilbeau said. "She could've been a scholarship player at many schools. She has the willingness to apply and implement what we ask for in matches and practices."
Rales could not agree more that non-scholarship players are in no special position. No matter what background, it is the responsibility of each player to compete at the level expected, according to Rales.
"Coming here, I knew I just wanted to work and see how far I could go," she said.
With five seniors on the squad, Guilbeau emphasized the need for a nucleus of top players like Lori Stern and Kristen James, as well as the depth provided by Rales and Lindsey Pereira to round out the roster.
"The important aspect is that every team needs six players," Guilbeau said. "We need players with the willingness, toughness and desire to be in there on match days. Amanda has done it and followed a great work ethic, practice habits, and it's produced good results for her and the team."
Rales's contribution in providing depth to the team was evident in last week's upset over Texas Christian University.
Trailing 3-2, Pereira and Rales both faced crucial situations. Both Pereira and Rales won their matches to give the Cavaliers the upset victory.
Last year, Virginia had only one player with 20 wins. This season, they already have three players with such an accomplishment, and two of them are Pereira and Rales.
With two challenging matches slated for this weekend against Duke and North Carolina, Rales simply sees another chance for development and improvement.
"I think everyone is excited for the weekend," she said. "Everyone is working hard and we'll see where we can go this weekend."
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