JUNIOR SEASON (1999-00): Tsucamoto finished fourth on the team in wins by accumulating 20-total victories during the 1999-00 season. She needs only six more wins to achieve the undaunted mark of 50 career singles victories. Tsucamoto also ended the dual-match portion of the season with a 13-14 record and compiled a 2-0 record at No. 1 singles position when Colosio and Mores were held out of action. In doubles play, she teamed up with teammate Amy McIlhaney to post a 15-17 overall record, including a vital 8-4 victory over Pepperdine’s combination of Horvath/Mueller in the Lady Tigers’ second-round match of the NCAA Tournament. The victory gave LSU its fourth point of the match and put the team in position for its upset win over the sixth-ranked Waves. During the 2000 fall season, Tsucamoto recorded a 7-5 record in singles play and an undefeated mark in doubles competition. While being teamed up with McIlhaney in doubles, she compiled a 3-0 tournament record.
SOPHOMORE SEASON (1998-99): After adjusting to the level of SEC play during her freshman season, Tsucamoto showed signs of greatness in 1999 as she posted an undefeated record in No. 2 singles. She went 3-0 in the singles No. 2 position and ended the season with a 14-23 record. Tsucamoto’s sophomore campaign ended with 6-10 open record, an 8-13 mark in dual matches, and a 3-9 SEC record. In doubles play Tsucamoto teamed up with fellow sophomore Tami Botts and compiled a 7-13 record. On March 24, the duo defeated Georgia’s 33rd ranked team of Mellis/Venkatesan with an 8-5 score. The win was the only victory on the day for the Lady Tigers.
FRESHMAN SEASON (1997-98): After coming to LSU as one of the most prized recruits in school history, Tsucamoto had a difficult time adjusting to the college game after taking a year away from tennis and coming to LSU in between semesters. She recorded a 10-15 singles record to open her LSU career, with a 5-9 record at No. 5 singles. She clinched four matches for the Lady Tigers: a victory at No. 4 singles against Southern University, at No. 2 singles against Texas-Arlington, at No. 2 doubles against South Florida and at No.1 doubles against Auburn. Tsucamoto teamed with Jamie Vallotton in doubles and posted an 8-6 record. With Laura Olave, she was 2-4. She defeated Miami’s (Fla.) Selin Nassi at No. 5 singles to help LSU advance to the NCAA SW Regional final.
Prior to LSU: Tsucamoto came to LSU having been rated as high as one or two in the Brazilian junior ranks and tops in the world standings during her career. A highly successful player and great tactitionist, Fernanda has exceptional international experience, having won numerous tournament titles throughout South America.
Personal: Tsucamoto was born on July 9, 1977 . She is a business major. She is the daughter of Catsutochi and Elizabeth Tsucamoto. Her full name is Fernanda Yumi Tsucamoto.
Tsucamoto’s Favorites
Role Model: My parents
Movie: Braveheart, Life is Beautiful
Actor/Actress: Robin Williams and Susan Sarandon
Television Show: Friends
Musician(s): Bob Marley and Fala Mansa
Song: Rindo’ a Toa (Fala Mansa)
Vacation Spot: Guaruja (Brazilian Beach City)
Best Concert Attended: Gilberto Gil in New Orleans
Hobbies: Going out with friends and going to the movies
Moment at LSU: Sweet 16 (Malibu, CA)
Career Highlights: Tulane doubles championship with Amy McIlhaney, Sweet 16 (team)
Places you’ll find me in Baton Rouge: Argosy Casino
What do you want to do after college?: Start working for an international company
Coach Minnis Motivational Speech: “Let’s give 100 percent.”