LOS ANGELES, Calif. – For UCLA sophomore transfer Logan Staggs, the current Southern California winter temperatures have only reaffirmed his decision to become a Bruin. Despite co-leading the Northwestern men's tennis team in singles as a freshman last season, Staggs was looking for a change. He was looking to return home.
A product of Tracy, California, Staggs originally honed in on the Midwest when looking at colleges and their tennis programs.
“At the time, I wasn't really sure where I wanted to go,” said Staggs of his college search. “I was looking pretty much anywhere but California. I thought that getting out of California would be ideal so I could play new players and get some fresh competition. Northwestern sounded good to me because it's really good academically, and the Big Ten is a very good conference for tennis. I thought it was a good combination for me.”
In his debut season with the Wildcats, Staggs co-led the team with 25 singles wins. The freshman standout split time between No. 3 and No. 4 singles and was named Big Ten Athlete of the Week on February 10, after winning all three of his singles matches the weekend prior. Despite his success, Staggs was unsure whether Northwestern was the right fit.
“I didn't see the sun for six months,” said Staggs of Midwest winters. “I only played indoors at Northwestern, and it's not my kind of game style. It doesn't fit me as a tennis player. Indoors is much faster, it's more of a power game.”
A small, wiry player, Staggs was at a disadvantage in a game where size matters. Indoor tennis rewards those with big and aggressive games because the surface and conditions provide the perfect launching platform for players with an attacking style.
Staggs' natural strengths make him a defensive player. What he lacks in physicality, he makes up for with tenacity, competitiveness, and court smarts. Plus, Staggs is a lefty. When combined, these factors pair well with playing outdoors.
“Being a lefty is one of my biggest advantages,” said Staggs. “Indoors doesn't have the same effect, but outdoors I can vary the spin and get different looks. Another advantage is the serve. When it's a lefty versus a righty, being a lefty is huge because you can attack the weaker side on the serve.
“Playing outdoors is great,” added Staggs. “Outdoors you can play more defense and be a retriever. You can play other styles, rather than just 'how fast can you hit the ball.' It helps me as a tennis player overall.”
Because outdoor courts and conditions cater to his playing style, returning to the Golden State was a no-brainer for Staggs. And so far, his transition to UCLA has gone quite well.
This fall, Staggs compiled a 5-2 record in tournament play. His only losses were to teammate Karue Sell in the semifinals of the SoCal Intercollegiate Championships and to nationally ranked Hendrik Jebens (No. 112) in the round of 16 at the USTA/ITA Southwest Regional Championships.
“Tennis-wise, I know a lot of these guys,” said Staggs of the competition out West. “I've either played them or have seen them play because most are California boys.”
As for the Bruins, the sophomore transfer already feels at home in Westwood.
“I feel like I know these guys a lot better than my previous teammates,” Staggs said of the UCLA men's tennis program. “The transition into this team was much easier. I feel more comfortable because I know them from the high school and juniors circuits.”
Staggs' quick and easy transition this fall will most certainly pay off for the Bruins. The newcomer is slated to make an immediate impact this spring, which will help make up for the loss of recent graduate Dennis Mkrtchian to the lineup. With a stable of well-rounded players such as Mackenzie McDonald (No. 3), Martin Redlicki (No. 57), Joseph Di Giulio, and Sell in UCLA's lineup, the addition of the scrappy and versatile lefty should make for a successful season.
“I think this team is better than my previous team,” added Staggs. “So I'm excited for what we can accomplish.”