Tennis Senior Tribute: Jaci Cochrane and Kat Muzik
3/30/2020
TENNIS SENIOR TRIBUTE: JACI COCHRANE AND KAT MUZIK
Rutgers tennis celebrates its two seniors Jaci Cochrane and Kat Muzik, who have made a tremendous impact on the program across the past four years. The Scarlet Knights will honor them with a virtual senior week to take place of Friday's originally slated Senior Day Ceremony for the duo, beginning today with a senior tribute.
“This class of seniors is particularly special to me. They were my first class of freshmen as a Head Coach,” said Hilary Ritchie. “I remember calling each of them the summer before they arrived at RU and telling them I had been hired to take over the program. From the first day, they bought in to what I wanted to create. I have been fortunate to coach them for four great years, and I am sorry that their senior year of competition was cut short. However, they have made an impact on Rutgers and our program.”
JACI COCHRANE
"Jaci possesses every quality a coach wants. She works hard, she's selfless, she's smart and she communicates very openly. As most athletes, Jaci had her ups and downs in terms of her success in competition, but she never threw in the towel. She played some of her best tennis to clinch the UPenn match this Spring. I could tell she truly wanted to end her collegiate career on a high note." - Hilary Ritchie
HOMETOWN
FORT DODGE, IOWA
HIGH SCHOOL
FORT DODGE SENIOR
MAJOR
POLITICAL SCIENCE
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
TWO-TIME ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN HONOREE
2017 BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (1/24/18)
25 SINGLES WINS
28 DOUBLES WINS
WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST AFTER YOU GRADUATE?
After I graduate, I will definitely miss the grind with my teammates and coaches every single day. Tennis and athletics have been such a big part of my life for most of my life, so not getting to play it competitively anymore will be difficult. My team has been my family for the last four years and I’ve faced my biggest challenges and rewards with them by my side. I’ll miss them like crazy. Wearing the Block R on my chest has been the greatest privilege and it’s something I’ll always be proud of.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE RUTGERS MEMORY OR MOMENT?
There are so many to choose from, but I think my favorite Rutgers memory is our win this past season against UPenn. It was the first time a big match had come down to my court and I was able to pull out the win. This is definitely one of my favorites, not because I won (though that’s certainly a big plus), but because I felt the support of my teammates. It felt really rewarding not to win for myself, but to win for my teammates and be someone they could count on.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOLLOWING GRADUATION?
I’ve applied to a number of law schools this spring and am waiting to hear back in the next couple of months. So far, I’ve been admitted to one school in Texas.
WHAT HAS RUTGERS TENNIS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU WILL CARRY THROUGH LIFE?
Rutgers tennis has taught me so much that I know will help me throughout life. It’s taught me to be tough, resilient, humble, and selfless. College athletics has pushed and challenged me in every single way that will hopefully carry over to success after athletics. It has also taught me how to work with others and compete for something that’s much bigger than myself.
IS THERE ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK?
There have been so many people throughout my tennis career here at Rutgers and at home that have played a part in getting me to where I am today. The coaching staff here at Rutgers has been the best one I could ask for. Hilary and Catarina have truly made me better both as an athlete and as a person. Their never-ending belief and support has followed me every step of the way. I have no doubt they will continue to keep making Rutgers Tennis into the best program it can be.
My teammates, both current and past, have also shaped me. They’re my friends, my family, and I’m each of their biggest fans. They’ve all pushed me and supported me on and off the court and I know they’ll go on to achieve big things next year. I’d also like to thank everyone else who has been part of my tennis career at Rutgers – my trainers, strength coaches, advisor, compliance officers, and all the parents and fans who believe so much in what we do.
Finally, I thank my amazing family who have been my fans since day one. It’s honestly impossible to thank them enough for the sacrifices they’ve made so I could live out my dream of D1 tennis. Words cannot express the love and appreciation I have for my parents and the things they have given up to give me this opportunity. The support of my siblings has also been incomparable and there is no one I love and respect more. It’s taken a village to get me to where I am and I am forever grateful.
KAT MUZIK
"Kat grew tremendously as a person and student-athlete at Rutgers. Kat earned wins that were critical in some of our most memorable matches of the last few years. Her best traits has always been her tenacity and grit in competition. Those characteristics are going to serve her very well in her professional career." - Hilary Ritchie
HOMETOWN
MABLETON, GA.
HIGH SCHOOL
JOHNSON FERRY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
MAJOR
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN HONOREE
2019 ITA ARTHUR ASHE LEADERSHIP & SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
2019 BIG TEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREE
2019 BIG TEN OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT
SAAC VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS
29 SINGLES WINS
34 DOUBLES WINS
WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST AFTER YOU GRADUATE?
I will miss traveling with my team. We’ve created so many laughable and unforgettable memories when we were away. Eating dinner and spending quality time with them during these trips is something that I will never forget.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE RUTGERS MEMORY OR MOMENT?
One of my favorite memories is when we won our first Big Ten match ever. My freshman year, we beat Penn State, 4-3.
WHAT HAS RUTGERS TENNIS TAUGHT YOU THAT YOU WILL CARRY THROUGH LIFE?
The lessons I have learned here that I will always carry with me are knowing that I am stronger than I think I am, but also that I have a team behind me on and off of the court to lean on.
IS THERE ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO THANK?
Thank you to my coach from junior tennis, Danny and his wife Kathy, for welcoming me into their family and for their unconditional support and love.
I’d like to thank my dad for always knowing what to say after a tough loss and for being there to talk whenever. Thank you mom for supporting me throughout my tennis career and for being my biggest cheerleader. Mom, you are my biggest inspiration and I wouldn’t be where I am without you.
Thank you Catarina for pushing me during my time at Rutgers, and Hilary for being a great role model on and off the court.
Lastly, thank you to my team for making my time here truly unforgettable. Each and every one of you has impacted my life in a unique way and I will always be grateful for the, long or short, time I got to be your teammate.
THANK YOU, SENIORS
"Being an incoming freshman is hard - dealing with the variety of college problems alone can be exhausting and quite difficult at times. Without upperclassman's help and guidance it would be at least three times harder and I am glad that you, Jaci and Kat, were there to guide us, teach the ways and demonstrate great leadership. You set yourself as an example for younger classes to follow you, depend and trust. Of course it is sad that you guys are leaving, but when a door is closing, another one opens and I am truly happy for you. I hope you get to accomplish everything that you wish and work for because you deserve it. Good luck on your journey! - Kristiana Zahare
"I am so happy I was able to play with Jaci and Kat for two of my years at Rutgers, and I wish I could continue playing with them. Jaci and Kat were great captains, players, and teammates. They always pushed me at practice and I could always count on them to cheer me on during matches. I am going to miss them but will cherish the memories we have made together!" – Sydney Kaplan
"Both Kat and Jaci mean the world to me! Kat has a kind heart, is there when you need her, and leads by example. Jaci is a great team leader and always knows what to say. I look up to them in so many ways! They have made me feel at home since day one and support me and all of the girls even through the toughest times. They have become some of my dearest friends! Love you both so much!" – Tess Fisher
"Competing with Jaci for these past three years has been a warm experience that has had a huge impact on my journey as a college athlete. I've learned a lot from her through many of our doubles experiences and we've created a special bond not only on court but off as well. I've watched Kat be a very fiery competitor. Her desire to win has pushed her across the finish line and helped us secure crucial wins in previous seasons." - Maya Jacobs
"Jaci and Kat have been such a good influence on me, especially being a college transfer. They are so motivating and I trusted them with anything. I really am going to miss them!" – Sydney Jones
"From the moment I first met Jaci as my host during my official visit, I knew we were going to connect on a deep level. She is one of the nicest, most well-rounded people I have had the pleasure of meeting and her work ethic is truly admirable. She has been there for me personally through some difficult moments and I know my experience on the Rutgers tennis team would not be the same without her in it. She has been an amazing teammate, captain, and friend, and she will dearly be missed although I know I have a friend for a lifetime! " – Isabelle Da Silva
"Kat has played an important role of pulling out some of the longest, most memorable matches I have experienced . Her willingness to find a way to win in those matches was motivational to all of us to also carry that same mindset in all of our matches. I will also miss her baking skills and our insides jokes (there were many!). The absence of her Southern charm and quick wit will certainly be felt on the team. – Isabelle Da Silva
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL TO JOIN R SENIOR WEEK
