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When she was just 16 in January 2012, Julyette Steur of the Netherlands became one of the youngest players in ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ women’s tennis history and the youngest in Nicole Kenneally’s 14 years as coach. Last season, while 17 as a sophomore, Steur posted a winning record at No. 1 singles.

As a 16-year-old, was it difficult to go so far away from home and play college tennis?

I think a lot of 16-year-old girls kind of want to go away. So it was nice to get some time on my own. But then I realized I missed my family a lot. I still get homesick every semester.

How did you end up at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ after the recruiting process?

Actually, I had so little time [late in 2011]. At one point, I was just like, ‘OK, I’m just going to pick it.’ A ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ assistant coach came over to see me in Holland, so that meant a lot to me. And when I was talking to Nicole, I had a good feeling. That’s always important. I thought it would be great to come here, and the Pac-12 was a big thing.

You had never been to the U.S. before committing. What was it like to make a blind choice to a certain extent? 

For me it was very important to combine studies with my sports. I need to have my mind on something else, too. At that point I couldn’t just do tennis alone. So the only option was America [since there’s nothing equivalent to college tennis in Europe].

Where were you with your schooling at that point?

I skipped two grades, so I graduated from high school two years early. Then I just did tennis for a couple of months and I thought that just wasn’t my thing right then. I had to grow up a little to be able to do that.

How many college players were as young as you when you started playing college tennis?

Usually college players are at least 18. I haven’t met one that was 16. A couple are 17 that I can think of.

Is it encouraging that you’re only 17 and you’re already playing No. 1 singles and competing against some of the best players in the nation?

That’s really exciting. Most of the players I play are juniors and seniors. I want to get to that point when I’m a junior or senior that I’m beating them.

How would you judge your progression in college?

All the time I’ve been here, I’ve improved a lot, I’d say. The physical stuff we did was very good for me. I was really small, tiny, when I first came here. When I came home, my parents were like, ‘Your shoulders are a little bigger.’

Is facing some of the best players in the Pac-12 intimidating or is it good for your growth as a player?

Last year it was very intimidating. But now I can look at them and learn from them. I think, ‘Oh, I need that shot, too.’ That just helps.

Both your mom [Sylvia] and aunt [Kirstin Freye] played professional tennis. I assume you want to do that also?

Yes, I would love to.

How long has that been an aspiration of yours?

Since forever, I would say. It’s a passion.

When did you first play tennis, and when did you take it up seriously?

I started when I was 8 and started seriously two years after.

What languages do you speak?

German, Dutch, English and a little bit of Spanish.

Photo courtesy ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Athletics