FOREST GROVE, Ore. — The Pacific University Women's tennis team is having one of its best seasons ever. For the first time since 2010, the team will play in the Northwest Conference tournament.
It is something of a family affair on the team. Head coach Traci Binder has two of her daughters playing for her: Senior Sydnie and junior Cassidy are the team's top two players.
“It's awesome; I love it! It's definitely a juggling act, trying to balance out being mom and coach, while balancing coaching them with five other girls," said Traci Binder.
For Sydnie, it was not a direct route to playing at Pacific University for her mom. She won high school state championships in Idaho and Oregon. She started her college career at an NCAA Division I college, Boise State University.
“Being a D1 athlete has this kind of prestige with it, that you achieved the highest level that you can. I stuck with that and decided that's what I wanted to do,” said Sydnie.
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She calls it a good experience playing at Boise State, but that, sometimes, reality is a little different than childhood dreams. She decided to re-evaluate her path. That brought her to Pacific University, where she’s currently playing for her mom with her sister and working on a master’s degree in fine arts.
Sydnie's younger sister, Cassidy, took a different route to Pacific University. She won a high school state doubles title with Sydnie. She graduated from Beaverton High School during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and wasn't sure where she would play college tennis. Her mom and sister encouraged her to make the commitment to play for Pacific.
“I was like, 'I’ll just try it.' It's honestly been so worth it,” said Cassidy.
Cassidy plays number one singles and is 14-1 this season. Sydnie plays number two singles; she's 15-0. They also play doubles together and have won all 15 of their matches. They hope to make it to the Division III National Championships.
Sydnie will finish her eligibility this year, but the memories they've made will last forever.
Traci Binder said she’ll definitely miss it. Sydnie says it's going to be a strange adjustment, but it will be good for Cassidy because she needs her time to shine, too.
The team will compete in the Northwest Conference Championships on April 20 and 21.