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*** Kai Broomfield, 18, was part of the Canadian junior tennis landscape for years, winning the U14 Canadian outdoor nationals before disappearing from the competitive scene. We caught up with her at the recent $9000 Canadian Indoor Championships where she was watching her younger sister Ayan compete. ***
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ONcourt: Literally, where have you been?
Kai Broomfield:Ah! Ah! I am now entering my second year at Marshall University which is located in Huntington, West Virginia and of course I am on a tennis scholarship. The reason I did not play for two years was a series of injuries which made it impossible for me to compete. First it was my wrist, then I started training and had to step away with an ankle injury.
ONcourt: Did you ever think of quitting tennis during your injuries?
KB: Oh no! the only problem was what to do with my time. I was so used to being on the court all the time. I did take the time to really catch up on my studies.
ONcourt: Are you injury free now?
KB: Thank goodness yes.
ONcourt: How’s Marshall?
KB: I love it, it is really great for tennis. The coach John Mercer is very enthusiastic about developing players and he was one of the reasons I selected Marshall. His whole family [three kids] are also tennis players so it’s a family affair.
ONcourt: What are you majoring in?
KB: I am majoring in Bio because I would like to become an orthodontist.
ONcourt: Your sister Ayan has become quite a good player, might she follow you to Marshall?
KB: I do not think so, because she is “California Dreaming”. She really wants to go there.
ONcourt: Tennis has been a huge part of your life, what are you thankful for?
KB: First of all it has given the opportunity of a free education and has given me so many great life opportunities
ONcourt: Would you do it all over again?
KB: Yes, definitely.
