SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senior tennis standout Myra Anwar will continue her career playing and attend the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.
"When it was time to apply for colleges, I sent the coach my videos and stats," said Anwar. "We formed a connection. Because it was far away and DII, I was not sure if it was the right fit. I went out last weekend and met the coaches and other players on the team, it clicked for me."
The University of the Sciences is a Division II school that competes in the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference. The Devils are coached by interim head coach Scott Sisson.
"Coach Sisson is amazing," said Anwar. "He was really welcoming and I enjoyed talking to him."
University of the Sciences has prepared students to be leaders and practitioners in the healthcare and science fields for nearly 200 years. Since its founding in 1821 as Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, the first college of pharmacy in North America, USciences has grown to more than 30 degree-granting programs from bachelor's through doctoral degrees in the health sciences, bench sciences, and healthcare business and policy fields.
"There is a good balance between tennis and school," said Anwar. "The coaches are there for support."
Anwar was a four-year letter winner for the Troubadours, playing exclusively at the No. 1 singles position for the last three seasons. She compiled 40 career wins for the Troubadours, helping the program to four consecutive Delta League team titles and four straight Sac-Joaquin Section playoff appearances. Anwar led the Troubies to the 2017 Sac-Joaquin Section title and two runner-up section finishes and three CIF NorCal Regional appearances.
Head Coach Kristi Spector will miss her team captain next year.
"Strength, determination and kindness describe Myra," said Spector. "We would all love to have one or two of these attributes, but to have all three is special. Myra is special. She has strength to do your best every day, determination to achieve your goals and kindness to yourself and others."
Myra has many successes both team and individually at St. Francis but the family aspect of the program will be her take away.
"I am really excited to continue with college tennis," said Anwar. "It would have been hard to give up something that you have been doing your whole life competitively. Tennis is an individual sport but being on the St. Francis on the team helped me recognized it is really a family atmosphere. I wanted that in college as well."
She lists the team appearance in the Stanford Invitational last fall as one of her favorite memories.
"My St. Francis career went by really fast," said Anwar. "After playing over the summer and going into senior year in the fall, it is nice to look back. We supported each other. The biggest thing I will remember is playing the in Stanford tournament this year. It was an amazing playing on that facility."
Anwar will join former teammate at Rio del Oro, Danielle Paran (Elk Grove), who helped her identify USciences to play tennis.
She will follow in her mother's footsteps by studying pharmacy with admission in the school's six-year accelerated PharmD program.
"It is nice to continue on the legacy in my family," said Anwar.
Anwar will participate in the St. Francis Signing Day celebration on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.
