November 11, 1998

There are many people in the world fulfilling life-long dreams. Whether it be through a lucrative career or a life in the spotlight, those people are doing what they have always aspired to do.

Then there are those whose dreams have been a reality for most of their lives. These are the dreams that just seem to fit in the natural chain of events.

Julie Thomas is doing what she has done most of her life. She is playing tennis. Since she was 7 years old, Thomas has played numerous sports, with softball and tennis her favorites. But as she got older, she knew that she had to choose one over the other. Tennis won out.

When asked what she would be doing if she weren't playing tennis the freshman walk-on simply replied, "I couldn't imagine not playing tennis."

Entering her first year at Mizzou, Thomas is ready for the full college experience. Not only does she play tennis, but she is also a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and is pursuing a degree in computer science or mathematics. However, she will be making her way through her first year without a scholarship.

Thomas knew that she wanted to play tennis in college. Four schools recruited her, including Missouri, but she felt that Mizzou had "the best combination of things." After talking with head coach Blake Starkey, she decided to walk-on. In the Tigers first three fall tournaments, she played in every match, usually at the No. 4 or No. 5 singles spot.

Thomas was also undefeated in those first three tournaments. She won three matches at the Billiken Invitational, one match against Southwest Missouri State and three matches at the Mizzou 4-Way.

"She has had a good run this fall. She works very hard and is improving day in and day out," Starkey said. "It is possible that she could be in the starting six this year. I am very pleased with her progress."

Being a walk-on in college is much different from her high school days at Parkway North in St. Louis. Thomas played at the No. 1 singles spot all four years and was team captain her junior and senior seasons. She finished her high school career with an impressive 107-11 record.

In her sophomore and senior seasons, Thomas placed fourth in the state in singles. And in her junior season, she placed seventh in the state. Following her junior year, she placed 17th in the Missouri Valley Conference summer league.

Not only was she at the top of her game in tennis, but she was at the top of her class. She was on the honor roll all four years, named a Target all-around scholar and received the President's National Leadership Award.

From what Starkey has seen, Thomas' adjustment to college has been smooth.

"When she first came to my office, she told me that she didn't plan on playing at No. 7," Starkey said. "It is that attitude and determination that will put her in the starting six."

Regardless of her status as a tennis player, Thomas must also deal with the everyday duties of a college student.

"It is busy and hectic. You get up in the morning, go to class all day, then run home and get changed for practice. I have to make sure to prioritize and manage my time well," Thomas said. "I have been playing tennis my whole life, but my parents raised me to know what is most important."

Thomas' personal goal for the year is to play to the best of her ability and to always give her fullest effort. Her goal for the team is two-fold. First, she wants the team to aim for winning half of their Big 12 Conference matches. More important, the team is working with each other and pushing one another to always strive to get better and better. Team unity is very important to Thomas.

"I think we are getting along. I want to try and make everyone do the best that they can," Thomas said. "You're not out there for yourself, you're out there for the team."

Starkey agrees with her philosophy and respects the freshman for standing up for what she believes in.

"I can't say enough good things about her. I love her attitude. With her it is strictly attitude. I love her approach (to playing without a scholarship)," Starkey said. "She is a coach's dream and I think I'm her biggest fan."

And that is the kind of attitude that can build a dream.