Upcoming Event: Men's Tennis at TCU on April 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
1:00 PM
Men's Tennis
at TCU
The University of Utah Athletics
Behind the Baseline: Randy Cory
12/6/2019 8:41 AM | Men's Tennis
Junior Randy Cory battled an injury last spring that limited the Salinas, Calif. native. When he was healthy, Cory played eight matches in the top doubles spot for Utah last season with current teammate Russell Benkaim, which included three straight wins to start the spring season against the top duos from BYU, Weber State and Montana State. Returning from injury, Cory saw action in Utah's final event of the fall at the LMU Invite. Cory and Rafael Grovas went 2-1 in doubles, while the junior picked up a singles win against his opponent from Utah State.Â
Get to know more about Randy Cory before the spring season starts!
When did you first start playing tennis? Why?
"I started playing tennis as young as I can remember. I got into it because my parents and family had a history of playing tennis, and my parents both taught tennis lessons, so that was a huge help."
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Did you play any other sports growing up?
"Besides playing tennis, I played basketball, soccer, baseball, and a little bit of football when I was growing up. Basketball and tennis were my favorite, but I knew I would have a better chance at playing collegiate tennis so I gave up basketball before getting into high school."
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You captained Team Northern California to a historic upset victory over Team Southern California in the 44th Annual Maze Cup. What was that experience like?
"That was actually one of my favorite tournaments as a junior player. Team Northern California had on won five times prior to that, and being able to beat Southern California as the captain of the team was very exciting for me. I loved the team aspect of things at that tournament. We had boys and girls playing in the tournament to represent us, and it was fun to be a part of and cheer everyone on."
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Why did you decide to come to Utah? What stuck out about the U compared to other schools that you were looking at?
"I came here because it suited my game the best, being a serve and volley player, with the altitude of Utah. I also love the outdoors and wanted to get out of California, I wanted to experience a different culture than what I was used to. I've also always had the dream of playing Pac-12 tennis, so that was really exciting for me. I also really like the cold and the snow, so this state was perfect for me."
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What was the biggest adjustment you faced coming from California to Utah during your freshman year?
"I would have to say that the training here was more intense and training in the altitude was an adjustment. Aside from that, it was just exciting to play with Pac-12 talent-level players. I got better daily and am continuing to improve."
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Now in your third season with the Utes, what has been the best part of your first two seasons?
"I would have to say that one of my biggest takeaways was making the NCAA tournament two years in a row. I love the coaching staff and the team, too, even through all the conditioning and workouts. I haven't disliked anybody that has come through this program and I've really grown to love these guys. They're my brothers and I've made some life-long friends.
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What is something that you would like to see this team achieve before you graduate from the University of Utah?
"Making the NCAA tournament was a big thing, and now that we've done that twice, our next step is getting a few wins. Other than that, I would like to win the Pac-12. We definitely have good enough players, talent, coaches, and program to achieve this."
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What is your major and what career do you want to get into?
"I'm majoring in communication and I want to get into a career that is anything along the line of sports. I would like to work for ESPN someday and be around sports constantly. I've been around sports my whole life and there is nothing that I enjoy more."
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When you aren't playing tennis, what're some things you like to do in your free time? Hobbies?
"I like to play video games, hang out with my teammates and girlfriend, and honestly just relax whenever I can."
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Get to know more about Randy Cory before the spring season starts!
When did you first start playing tennis? Why?
"I started playing tennis as young as I can remember. I got into it because my parents and family had a history of playing tennis, and my parents both taught tennis lessons, so that was a huge help."
Â
Did you play any other sports growing up?
"Besides playing tennis, I played basketball, soccer, baseball, and a little bit of football when I was growing up. Basketball and tennis were my favorite, but I knew I would have a better chance at playing collegiate tennis so I gave up basketball before getting into high school."
Â
You captained Team Northern California to a historic upset victory over Team Southern California in the 44th Annual Maze Cup. What was that experience like?
"That was actually one of my favorite tournaments as a junior player. Team Northern California had on won five times prior to that, and being able to beat Southern California as the captain of the team was very exciting for me. I loved the team aspect of things at that tournament. We had boys and girls playing in the tournament to represent us, and it was fun to be a part of and cheer everyone on."
Â
Why did you decide to come to Utah? What stuck out about the U compared to other schools that you were looking at?
"I came here because it suited my game the best, being a serve and volley player, with the altitude of Utah. I also love the outdoors and wanted to get out of California, I wanted to experience a different culture than what I was used to. I've also always had the dream of playing Pac-12 tennis, so that was really exciting for me. I also really like the cold and the snow, so this state was perfect for me."
Â
What was the biggest adjustment you faced coming from California to Utah during your freshman year?
"I would have to say that the training here was more intense and training in the altitude was an adjustment. Aside from that, it was just exciting to play with Pac-12 talent-level players. I got better daily and am continuing to improve."
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Now in your third season with the Utes, what has been the best part of your first two seasons?
"I would have to say that one of my biggest takeaways was making the NCAA tournament two years in a row. I love the coaching staff and the team, too, even through all the conditioning and workouts. I haven't disliked anybody that has come through this program and I've really grown to love these guys. They're my brothers and I've made some life-long friends.
Â
What is something that you would like to see this team achieve before you graduate from the University of Utah?
"Making the NCAA tournament was a big thing, and now that we've done that twice, our next step is getting a few wins. Other than that, I would like to win the Pac-12. We definitely have good enough players, talent, coaches, and program to achieve this."
Â
What is your major and what career do you want to get into?
"I'm majoring in communication and I want to get into a career that is anything along the line of sports. I would like to work for ESPN someday and be around sports constantly. I've been around sports my whole life and there is nothing that I enjoy more."
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When you aren't playing tennis, what're some things you like to do in your free time? Hobbies?
"I like to play video games, hang out with my teammates and girlfriend, and honestly just relax whenever I can."
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Players Mentioned
Utah Men's Tennis 2025-26 Pronunciations
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