Reminiscing about my time at UCLA, I experience many emotions and nostalgic moments. I am super grateful to be part of the Bruin family, and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I am super humbled to be part of the Westwood community and play a part in the history UCLA has.
I remember my first-ever match at the Los Angeles Tennis Center like it was yesterday, the nerves I felt wearing the four big letters across my chest. Over the four years I have been at school, I have loved every moment of it: the hardships, the successes and even the pressure that comes with the school of champions. I will never forget my teammates, classmates, staff, countless friends and the support I have had during my time here. As a Bruin on the court, one of my fondest memories has to be winning the Big Ten title for the first time as newcomers. Beating top-ranked Ohio State at its own stadium for the title in one of the closest matches possible is something I will remember for the rest of my life. After that day, my teammates became my brothers for life. Another big memory for me is playing in Ojai for the last time and being able to beat USC the last time I played them. Ojai is such a historical tennis place, and being able to clinch against our rival school in a monumental venue is something I will look back on and smile at.
I am super proud of being a student-athlete at UCLA and being able to complete my degree while playing the sport I have played my entire life. Whether I struggled or succeeded, these past four years have been the greatest four years of my life, and I can’t be grateful enough to compete for the Bruins. I wish this could last forever, but it has to come to an end. To my coaches, support staff and everyone else who have helped me during my time at UCLA, I can’t say thank you enough. GO BRUINS!
Tripathi played for UCLA men’s tennis from 2022 to 2026.
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