Carlin Bukovac’s journey with tennis began when she was just eight years old, during her second-grade year. Although she picked up a racquet early on, her serious commitment to the sport didn’t begin until sixth grade. From that point forward, tennis became a central part of her life. During the school tennis season, Carlin trains diligently, practicing every day to sharpen her skills and stay competitive. Even in the off-season, her dedication remains strong—she continues to play about five times a week to maintain her form and improve specific aspects of her game.
In addition to regular practices, Carlin takes private lessons at the Greensburg Racquet Club. These personalized sessions give her an edge, allowing her to work closely with a coach to fine-tune techniques, develop strategies, and receive individualized feedback. This commitment to growth has been a key part of her success.
Carlin has also developed a unique mental routine to help her prepare for matches. To stay focused and composed, she creates note cards before each competition, outlining key things to remember during play. These might include strategic reminders, motivational thoughts, or
specific technical focuses. Between points or during breaks, she can quickly glance at these cards to refocus and stay mentally sharp.
Dealing with nerves is another important part of Carlin’s pre-match routine. Rather than letting anxiety take over, she tries to visualize herself succeeding on the court. This positive mindset helps her feel more confident and grounded. Importantly, she doesn’t step onto the court assuming she will win—instead, she emphasizes the importance of giving her best effort on every point. “Goals are a great way to succeed,” she says. That attitude, centered on effort and resilience, has become a cornerstone of her competitive philosophy.
Carlin’s hard work and mental discipline have led to impressive achievements. In high school tennis, reaching the top four players is crucial for qualifying for the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) championships. To earn a spot in that elite group, players typically need to win at least their first two matches. Last year, Carlin and her doubles partner, Allison Massaro, had an outstanding season. The duo made it all the way to the finals and finished in second place—a significant accomplishment and a testament to their teamwork and talent.
This year, Carlin and Allison have once again qualified for WPIALs, and hopes are high. According to Carlin, they feel confident about their chances of returning to the finals. With their experience, preparation, and chemistry as a team, they’re optimistic about making another strong run.
As Carlin continues her tennis journey, her passion, discipline, and growth mindset are sure to take her even further. Whether in practice or in competition, she exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated athlete.
Carlin Bukovac was able to play in the Section Singles this year and got second place. She was very satisfied with herself. She says, “I finally beat a girl I couldn’t beat for the longest time.” As a result, she is very proud of her accomplishments this year so far and cannot wait for the rest of the season ahead of her.
