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MAGÜI MANIAC PROFILE: KAT

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.



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