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Sports

Kami Miller prepares for final shot at glory 

by MARK SUAREZ
The Daily Cougar 

UH tennis standout senior Kami Miller has made the most of her career as a Cougar. She is inking her name in the UH tennis record books this season as the eighth all-time career singles victories holder. Her 90-34 career-singles record is five wins shy of seventh all-time.

Miller also contributed to the success of a tennis program that has earned four consecutive winning seasons, including 2004-2005 when she led the Cougars to a 17-10 record, while posting a career best 35-6 singles record. 

Miller grew up in Glendale, Ariz., and spent much of her childhood playing tennis. She credits her parents, Steve and Roberta Miller, for helping her excel on and off the court at an early age.

"A lot of my childhood memories are of playing tennis," Miller said. "I enjoyed playing in tournaments and traveling. My parents were both math teachers, and I can remember studying really hard, being a dedicated student."

Miller's first experience on a tennis court came on the sidelines as a toddler watching her parents play. Her first memories of stepping on the court left a lasting impression. 

"My parents would put me in a playpen on the side of the tennis court and watch me while they played," Miller said. "One day, I climbed out (of) my playpen as my parents were playing with two of their friends."

"I walked on the court in front of my godmother, who didn't see me. As she went to hit the ball, she slammed her racquet on my head. That is one of my first tennis memories."

Miller came to UH in Fall 2002, as a freshman with an open mind when it came to tennis.

"I wanted to come here and reach my full-potential as a tennis player," Miller said. "Tennis is an individual sport, and it's always about you and what you're doing. I wanted to come in and experience tennis as a team sport." 

Currently, the UH tennis team is 14-3, and Miller credits much of the team's success to its chemistry.

"The chemistry we have is so important to us because there are some players from different countries, and we are a family here," Miller said. "As for the coaches, I really respect John (Severance) as a coach. I believe he has made me a better player. The awards that I have received in my career I owe to him."

Miller has many influences in her life, but it is her mother who has motivated her to reach greater heights.

"My mom has been my biggest inspiration," Miller said. "She is the sweetest, kindest lady. I look up to her because she is very hardworking; (in) everything she does, she puts 110 percent in it. I hope that one day I can accomplish some of the things that she's accomplished." 

As for the rest of the season, Miller believes the Cougars can reach some great heights of their own.

"I would like to see it end by reaching the NCAA tournament and winning conference," Miller said. "I believe this year is our best chance; this team is the most talented and hardworking that I've been around in four years. The team really believes that we can do it."

Miller will graduate in December 2006 with a bachelor's degree in marketing and would like to work in the marketing department of a professional sports team.

Send comments to dcsports@mail.uh.edu