The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Hall of Fame Q&A - Mirela Vladulescu-Booker
10/11/2017 3:49:00 PM | Women's Tennis
On Friday October 13th, the UAB Department of Athletics will induct five new members into the Hall of Fame. Women's tennis star Mirela Vladulescu-Booker played for UAB from 1997-2001. Vladulescu-Booker was a four-time All-Conference USA selection and was named to the Conference USA All-Decade Team in 2005. She was the Most Valuable Player in Conference USA following the 1998 and 2000 seasons.
Vladulescu-Booker advanced to the third round of singles play in the NCAA tournament in 2001 and the quarterfinals round in 1998. She was tabbed as the ITA National Rookie of the Year in 1998.
What does UAB mean to you?
"UAB provided me the opportunity to come to the United States and the chance to start a new life. My degree and athletics opened many doors and helped me start a fitness training business."
What is your best memory playing at UAB?
"I remember looking forward to practice every day. Coach Mert Ertunga made practice fun and challenging without creating constant pressure to win. My many hours spent in the workout room at Bartow Arena eventually led to my passion for fitness after college."
What does it mean to you to be inducted into the UAB Hall of Fame?
"I am extremely honored! Twenty year later to be remembered and recognized among such remarkable athletes is humbling."
What do you think of the way UAB has grown since you played here?
"From the recreational center to the student center, it shows that UAB is excelling in today's extremely competitive environment and that donors truly appreciate the opportunity the school provides students."
Looking back, how did UAB help mold you into the person that you are today?
"UAB not only gave me the opportunity to earn a degree that I use everyday, but it also helped me mature and grow as an individual."
Vladulescu-Booker advanced to the third round of singles play in the NCAA tournament in 2001 and the quarterfinals round in 1998. She was tabbed as the ITA National Rookie of the Year in 1998.
What does UAB mean to you?
"UAB provided me the opportunity to come to the United States and the chance to start a new life. My degree and athletics opened many doors and helped me start a fitness training business."
What is your best memory playing at UAB?
"I remember looking forward to practice every day. Coach Mert Ertunga made practice fun and challenging without creating constant pressure to win. My many hours spent in the workout room at Bartow Arena eventually led to my passion for fitness after college."
What does it mean to you to be inducted into the UAB Hall of Fame?
"I am extremely honored! Twenty year later to be remembered and recognized among such remarkable athletes is humbling."
What do you think of the way UAB has grown since you played here?
"From the recreational center to the student center, it shows that UAB is excelling in today's extremely competitive environment and that donors truly appreciate the opportunity the school provides students."
Looking back, how did UAB help mold you into the person that you are today?
"UAB not only gave me the opportunity to earn a degree that I use everyday, but it also helped me mature and grow as an individual."
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