2001-2002 Outlook
Katarina Balan (pronounced ba-LAN) is argueably the smoothest and most relaxed player on the 2001-02 roster. A versatile player, Balan will help Nebraska in both singles and doubles. Balan will look to be a solid No. 2 singles player for the Huskers this season. The coaching staff feels that Balan has the ability to contend for a conference title.
2000-01
After a great sophomore season, Balan followed up with a 22-10 record as a junior which ranked second on the team. Early in the season, Balan jumped around the top three spots, but eventually found her comfort zone at No. 2, where she posted a 12-3 record, while her doubles record was 17-15. For most of the season Balan teamed up with Rose Ketmayura at the No. 1 doubles spot. Together they posted a 10-5 record, while Balan finished the regular season with Amy Frisch and posted a 6-3 record.
Balan sported victories against No. 91 Lisa D’Amelio of Eastern Michigan, 6-1, 7-6 (4), No. 94 Monica Sekulov of Kansas, 6-2, 6-4 and in doubles teamed up with Ketmayura to defeat No. 31 Lisa D’Amelio and Rebecca Hawkins of Eastern Michigan, 8-4. Balan posted a 6-4 singles record in the fall season. She went to the finals of the consolation bracket of the ITA Central Regional Championships as well. Balan earned a spot on the Academic All-Big 12 first team.
1999-2000
Balan recorded one of the best seasons ever by a Husker, compiling a 17-2 record at No. 4 singles, while finishing second to Texas’ Joanne Masongsong for the Big 12 conference championship. Balan also combined with teammate Maria Fernandez, winning the Big 12 championship at No. 2 doubles, Nebraska’s first since 1977, finishing with an 18-3 record.
1998-99
Balan made an instant impact on the Husker lineup playing No. 2 singles. She compiled a 15-7 record,
while picking up another win in No. 3 singles. Balan teamed up with Danica Hardy and played mostly No. 3 doubles earning a 15-3 record and a 3-1 record at No. 2 doubles.
Before Nebraska
In 1991, Balan moved to New Braunfels, Texas, and played at John Newcombe’s Tennis Academy for Head Coach Phil Hendrie.
Personal
The daughter of Vera and Jon Balan, Katarina was born on April 18, 1979, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. She is an international business major. Balan has one older brother, Alexsander.
Up Close with Katarina
Proudest Accomplishment:
being named to the Academic All-Big 12 team and earning a tennis scholarship
If I could spend a day with anyone, it would be: Matt Damon
People in history I would most like to meet: my grandfathers
My craziest ambition: to bungy jump
The greatest lesson I have learned in athletics: hard work
My favorite moment in a match is: winning the match
The best tennis advice, I have ever received: always remember to have fun on the court
Favorite tennis player: Patrick Rafter
Favorite grand slam: French Open
Favorite non-athlete: Ben Affleck
