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Crusader works harder than ever

Tampa Catholic junior Miranda Gutierrez wants a state title and a scholarship to Miami.

By EMILY NIPPS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 7, 2002

TAMPA -- Tampa Catholic's Miranda Gutierrez is the perfect picture of a Florida tennis player.

Tan, freckled and long-limbed, she is rarely seen on the courts without her mirrored sunglasses and a hat. She is almost 6 feet tall and takes long, gliding strokes.

She doesn't want to pursue a professional tennis career, but her dream is to attend and play for the University of Miami ... mostly because "it's warm there."

The 16-year-old has another goal in mind first, though, and has two more seasons to reach it.

"I think I have a pretty good shot at winning state," Gutierrez said.

"I've improved a lot since last year. I'm in much better shape. I've never worked this hard in my life."

If new Crusaders coaches Eric Dobsha and Alex Golub have anything do with it, Gutierrez will be working even harder by the end of her prep career. And she'll have to, Dobsha said, if she wants to play in a major college program.

"I think she's starting to understand the work ethic it takes to play in college," Dobsha said. "Miranda came from an undisciplined work style. She's one to take orders rather than just get up and do something at her own will."

Dobsha figured with her talent, she had the potential to be a Division I prospect. But only if she worked for it.

Now, Gutierrez practices two hours a day and spends at least 30 minutes strength training and conditioning.

"Because she's so tall, she needed strength and toning to be able to carry herself through competition," Dobsha said.

"She was losing matches on conditioning alone. I told her, 'Look, it doesn't get any easier if you want to play in college. This is what you have to expect.' "

Last year, Gutierrez made the biggest contribution to the Crusaders, who won a district title for the first time in school history. She lost in the Class 2A state semifinals and was a doubles quarterfinalist in 2000.

Ranked No. 35 in Florida, Gutierrez has become more competitive in the state's toughest tournaments in the past year. She recently finished third in the 16-and-under division in a statewide singles tournament at the Tampa Tennis Complex.

"I feel like I've gotten a lot better, and I'm making the most of it," Gutierrez said. "God has given me a great talent, and I need to get a scholarship."

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