I'm Caroline Burnet, aka Kat, The Katster, katmfg, or any variation
thereof, and one-sixth of 'Magui Mania'. I'm 19 and from Newport News,
Virginia in the US (sadly nowhere near any tennis tourneys). I'm
currently a sophomore at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia studying to
become an architect. It requires a shitload of work and more late night
hours in the studio than I care to count. Over the past year, I've
somehow come to master the art of functioning on less than three hours
of sleep a night…don't ask me how. Whenever I have a free moment and
it's not being used to catch up on sleep (which is *really* rare), I
enjoy drawing, writing poetry, and long distance running.
As for myself and tennis, I remember watching the big grand slam finals
growing up, but only with limited interest. But I happened to see the
97 Wimbledon SF and was drawn in by Arantxa. I had seen her play on TV
before and knew her name, but not much else. This was obviously the
first time I 'got' what she was about. It only took watching a couple
of games to recognize her incomparable fight. I fell in love with her
astounding gets and was inspired by her tenacious play. The rest is
history. The past three years (I prefer to think quality over quantity)
I've researched and followed her career with increasing admiration.
Through her tennis, she has unknowingly inspired me in all that I do,
and has shown me the value of possessing a relentless will to succeed,
thereby helping me find the strength within myself.
But being a devoted Arantxa fan has resulted in far more than just an
incredible source of inspiration. Over the internet (initially), I've
had the privilege of meeting other Arantxa fans and forming long seeded
(I hope) friendships. It's uncanny how I've yet to meet a fellow
Arantxa fan I haven't liked…almost as if we all for the most part value
the same things. That's why going to Wimbledon 2000 was doubly
special. Aside from finally fulfilling the dream of meeting Arantxa and
seeing her play, I was able to meet some of my fellow Arantxa fans; in
the case of Caz and Stacey, after corresponding for 2 years previously
via email, online chats, and phone calls. Then there was also Beatriz
with whom I had limited communication with prior to, and also the new
additions of Mel and Paula. Guys, it was truly a blast to finally meet
y'all!! I seriously can't remember a time I was happier. Thanks for
helping to make it all possible!
That aside, as far as I'm concerned, Arantxa is all there is to tennis.
I'm not really a fan of any other player, though there sure as hell are
some I hate more than others! LOL! But I must admit, while at Wimby
2000 with my other Arantxa fanatics, I became endeared to Magui. I
guess while supporting Arantxa, it's hard not to also cheer for those
younger players she's got under her wings. And it was while doing just
that (and *very* loudly I might add) that 'Magui Mania' was born. I
swear Mary must still be pissed with us!! LOL!
And while that was a thrill of a lifetime and I'd like to think
otherwise, I know better than expecting I'll be there again next year.
Unfortunately, it was a one shot deal...my parents made that undeniably
clear (damn tuition!). Still, it left me with such great memories, and
the proud honor of being an original member of Magui Mania. And though
I'm sure y'all will feel my future absence to be a tragic loss (LOL!),
I'll continue supporting them both in spirit and look forward to our
continuing friendship.