Colorado Freshman Lani Brotman Making Early Impact in Buffaloes’ 2-0 Start
BOULDER - Every college team hopes their incoming freshmen can contribute early, but Colorado may have struck gold with Lani Brotman. The freshman from Carrollton, Texas, has wasted no time making her presence felt, helping the Buffaloes open their spring tennis season with a 2-0 record.
Brotman arrived in Boulder carrying serious credentials: a 5-star recruit and Top 50 junior player in the country. And so far, she’s lived up to the billing. After a solid fall campaign, she’s transitioned smoothly into dual match play, showing poise well beyond her years.
“Our goal is always to find the best student-athletes we can,” said head coach Anthony Pham. “With Lani and our two other freshmen, I think they’re doing a great job of finding their way and buying into what the scene is about, and where we want to take our program.”
Brotman’s fall season gave Buffs fans a glimpse of what she could bring to the court. She posted a 7-4 singles record and went 8-4 in doubles, teaming up with a mix of fellow freshmen Yukiko Ikedo and Heidi Crncan, as well as veterans Pia Rebec and Ema Bubalo. That early experience set the foundation for what’s already becoming a strong spring debut.
Still, the jump from junior tennis to the college level is no small leap. Brotman admits it’s been an adjustment - but one she’s embraced.
“I knew a bit of what college tennis would feel like, but once the spring started it was a whole new feel,” Brotman said. “It’s a different feeling from junior competition, and definitely different with a team. It’s so fun knowing that there are people to support you during your match and being able to support my teammates as well.”
Her first taste of dual match action came in the Buffs’ season opener, where she slotted in at No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles alongside Rebec. Facing Montana State and Air Force, Brotman didn’t just hold her own - she delivered.
Against Montana State, she secured her first dual-match singles win, taking down Kavya Khirwar in straight sets. The second set went to a tiebreak, but Brotman closed it out with confidence, 6-1, 7-6 (3). In doubles play, she and Rebec teamed up for a 6-4 win over Air Force’s Kojonroj and Rhoades.
“It was definitely scary at first,” Brotman said of her dual-match debut. “But I knew that if I did the things I had been training for, it would work out. Obviously, nerves take over, especially at the beginning of matches, but I know the coaches and my team will be there to help me through it, which is comforting, knowing you have that support.”
That support system - from coaches to upperclassmen - has been instrumental in helping Brotman settle in. She’s leaned on the experience around her, and it’s paying off.
“As a freshman, you don’t always know what to do when you first get there,” she said. “But once I watch the juniors and seniors doing their thing, it’s so helpful and less stressful knowing I don’t have to figure it out on my own.”
Colorado continues its early-season slate on January 30, hosting Miami (Ohio) at home. For Brotman and the Buffs, it’s another opportunity to build momentum - and for this freshman standout, another chance to show she’s ready for the big stage.