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The sun-soaked courts of UC Santa Barbara have become a second home for Raphaelle Leroux, sophomore netter from Montréal, Quebec. Last season, the Canadian standout finished on a 16-match singles win streak and went undefeated in Big West play. But for Leroux, it wasn’t a single victory that made her feel like she belonged — it was a feeling that built over time.
“It wasn’t just a moment,” Leroux said. “During the 16-match win streak, I don’t like to look at stats, but I was having so much fun on court. I was just trying to go out and do my best. I wasn’t always playing my best, but I was beyond grateful that I had my teammates and my coaches there for me. Honestly, I feel like I belong because of the people — the people really make the place. I’ve had such great teammates, staff members, and mentors that have helped me along the way.”
Finding Home Far from Home
Moving from Canada to the Central Coast was a major shift, but Leroux embraced it wholeheartedly. “It’s been unreal to be here,” the second-year Gaucho said. “The weather is incredible, our facilities are amazing, and the academics are great. My teammates and coaches have been incredible. It’s just been an amazing experience so far, and I can’t wait to see what this next season holds for us.”
With five new players joining the team this season, Leroux is energized by the fresh dynamic. “We get along well, and I’m really excited,” the Canadian said. Leroux believes the team’s chemistry is one of its greatest strengths. “We’re connected. We have to have a game plan every time, but as a team, it’s not necessarily against one player. We’re going to bring out our best energy, cheer each other on, and be ready for anything. It’s hard to beat us because we’re in our zone all the time.”
Staying Grounded through the Grind
Despite the success, Leroux credits daily work and the people around her for keeping her centered and focused on the moment. “My teammates are incredible — they’re such great people but also great players,” said the reigning All-Big West honoree. “They push me every day to become better. The work we’ve put in really led us to where we are.”
That work ethic shows up in practice and in matches. “I think the practice and the work you put in keeps you grounded,” Leroux said. “It keeps you humble. It’s just been incredible.”
The Doubles Dynamic
Leroux’s doubles background is a defining part of her game. A two-time Canadian national doubles champion, she’s found success with multiple partners at UCSB. “My-Anh (Holmes) and Marie (Weissheim) are such great doubles players,” Leroux stated. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to play doubles with them. What I value in a doubles partner is the trust and communication we have. Having great energy on court, trusting our shots, and believing we can win — that’s everything. Doubles is fast-paced and can go either way, so you have to have the highest energy possible and trust your partner to make decisions.”
That doubles experience has shaped her singles play as well. “Doubles is very fast-paced,” Leroux said. “It really builds your strokes from the baseline, and you have to be quick to think and quick on your feet. That helps so much in singles. In college, we start with doubles, so you get that bond right away with your teammate, and it helps you go into singles with confidence. It’s super fun — I’ve been loving it.”
An International Perspective
Before UCSB, Leroux gained experience playing around the world. “I’ve seen many game styles, many tennis courts, and many different surfaces. In college, people play so differently — some hit slices, some hit moonballs, some hit super flat. In Canada, it’s a pretty small world in tennis, but going abroad showed me so many new things.”
Leroux has trained with coaches in Germany, the Netherlands, and even spent time in Argentina. “It’s been incredible to see their perspectives. “It’s helped my game and shaped my tennis to how it is today.”
Wearing Blue and Gold
Representing UCSB means everything to Leroux. “It means the world to me,” the Montreal, Canada native said. “It’s been beyond what I even imagined for college tennis. It’s incredible to be part of such an amazing program and to have great mentors and supporters.”
Leroux credits people like John Arnhold, whose name is on the tennis center, and Wayne Bryan, who helps with the facility, for making the Gauchos’ program special. “They do so much for us,” the UCSB sophomore said. “Wayne has invited us to his house so many times for events — we even played croquet with him. Our coaches put so much effort into our tennis, and my teammates have been like sisters.”
Balancing Tennis and Pre-Med
Alongside tennis, Leroux is pursuing a challenging academic path. “Since I’m in pre-med, it’s a tough route,” the sophomore said. “But the teachers have been incredible in helping accommodate my schedule when I miss classes or exams.”
The passion for medicine comes from home. “My dad is an orthopedic surgeon and my mom is an occupational therapist,” Leroux said. “My dad was a doctor at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, and he brought me with him when I was a kid. Sports and medicine have always been in my life from a very young age. It’s always been a goal of mine to become a sports med doctor. I’m also interested in anesthesiology and radiology — we’ll see what I specialize in, but for now, that’s definitely my goal.”
A Multi-Sport Foundation
Growing up, Leroux tried every sport imaginable. “My parents wanted me to try all kinds of sports. I was going to club volleyball, playing soccer, figure skating and tennis. I stuck with tennis when I was about 12. Once I started going abroad a bit more, I realized how much I loved it.”
Those other sports still play an influence. “Soccer really helped with my footwork, and figure skating was great for balance,” Leroux said. “It’s helped me with my tennis to this day.”
Eyes on the Future
With the 2026 season in full swing, Leroux’s focus is clear. “I’m excited to compete again with my teammates — both returning and new,” she said. “Our goal is to win Big West and make it to the NCAAs. I’m just so excited to see what we can do as a team.”