Former UCI star adds to Breakers

NEWPORT BEACH — While other recent college graduates are pondering what they’ll end up doing in the real world, Becky Bernhard gets the opportunity to play like a pro and to meet tennis stars like Lindsay Davenport.

Bernhard, a recent UC Irvine graduate, is an alternate on the Newport Beach Breakers this season. Bernhard, who graduated with a degree in sociology, has plenty of game. The 21-year-old Newport Beach resident was named first team All-Big West Conference for the Anteaters for three straight years.

Breakers Coach Trevor Kronemann, also the UC Irvine men’s tennis coach, took notice.

“[Kronemann] has seen me play the past couple of years, and he asked me to be an alternate,” Bernhard said. “You can’t pass up an opportunity like that.”

She has even gotten into a match, playing women’s doubles with Michaela Pastikova at St. Louis on Tuesday.

The Breakers’ Angelika Bachmann tore her ACL in her right knee on Monday and will be sidelined for the rest of the season, giving Bernhard a bit of an opportunity.

“I was a little bit nervous at first, but it was very exciting,” Bernhard said. “First time I’ve ever played with ball kids, or you know, a professional announcer calling out the score for every point. It’s a cool experience.

“If I play or even if I don’t play, meeting people like Lindsay Davenport is the coolest thing ever.”

Bernhard said she plans to continue playing tournament tennis after the Breakers’ season ends July 23.

“I started it when I was 4, so I don’t think it’s something I’m ready to give up quite yet,” she said.

MATT SZABO may be reached at (714) 966-4614 or by e-mail at [email protected].