Budai Looks to Finish Out Successful Career

AMES, Iowa – With only three regular season duals and the Big 12 Championships remaining for the Iowa State tennis team, the career of a Cyclone great also draws to a close.

Senior Sami Budai has played a key role in the recent resurgence of Iowa State tennis. This year will mark the first back-to-back winning seasons for the Cyclones since 1974-75. With a current record of 15-8 and a winning percentage of .652, this year's team has had one of the most successful seasons in more than 41 years.

During this time, Budai has stepped up to be a leader for the Cyclones.

The London, Ontario native took on the task of playing at the No. 1 position during her sophomore campaign and went 8-9 during the dual season. It was the best winning percentage for a Cyclone at the No. 1 position since 2011. Budai put together an overall record of 33-31 that year.

As a junior, Budai racked up 38 wins and went an impressive 23-9 in doubles.

The 2016-17 year has marked a special season for Budai. As a senior, she has racked up honors and continued to climb in the Cyclone record book.

Budai began the dual season ranked No. 125 in singles by the ITA. This marked the first-ever national ranking for a Cyclone player. Budai was also awarded Big 12 Conference Player of the Week and became just the second Cyclone to receive this honor.

Budai has also served as a leader this year for a young Iowa State team that features seven underclassmen.

"I think she has done a pretty good job giving the kids some confidence that she is going to be in every match and win some, which makes everybody come out and play a little bit more relaxed," head coach Armando Espinosa said.

Over the course of her four years at Iowa State, Budai has become one of the winningest players in Cyclone history. Espinosa attributed her success to the wide range of shots she possesses.

"She can hurt you from anywhere on the court," Espinosa said. "She has the ability to get out of trouble with a couple of shots and really help herself."

Budai enters her final weekend of home matches second in doubles and overall career wins, third in singles wins. She has 64 singles and 139 overall victories. Her 75 doubles victories put her just one shy of Sarah Berress for the highest win total.

The improvements Budai has made throughout her four years at Iowa State have played a crucial role in her successful career. Espinosa said that her ability to play consistently at a high level is a skill she has developed.

Budai and the Cyclones will be back on the courts for their final regular season matches this weekend as they take on Oklahoma on Friday and Oklahoma State and Central on Sunday.

Iowa State University Athletics

Budai Looks to Finish Out Successful Career

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