University of California, Santa Cruz

HIGH SCHOOL: Named MVP, All-League 1st team at Immaculate Heart High School. Was  Varsity team captain for two consecutive years. Received Scholar-Athlete awards the last two years of HS for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher during league season.

PERSONAL: She chose to attend UC Santa Cruz because of its student environment. "Even though the campus is spread across a redwood forest, the student appreciation and involvement in their community made a huge impact in my decision attending here. There's such a welcoming and diverse atmosphere that is really comforting."

Hobbies besides playing tennis are spending time with friends, family and listening to music. In the future "I would like to travel around the world doing research for the environment."

Says the most influential people in her life are her parents Consuelo Ruiz and Carlos Mansilla. Says "both had different upbringings and I admire and look up to their commitment to becoming better people and helping me succeed in life."