As a tennis player who has made the sport a major part of her life, Beaver Area High School senior Kimmy Borza is all too familiar with the prestige associated with the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy.

So when she was invited to take part in a one-month enrollment at the esteemed tennis facility in Bradenton, Fla., her reaction was predictable.

"When I found out, I was literally jumping up and down," Borza said. "I was really excited. I can't wait to go."

Borza was given a scholarship to attend the academy, part of the IMG Academies, for a time period of Sept. 20-Oct. 17.

The list of alumni who plied their trade at the academy reads like a Who's Who in the tennis world of the past quarter-century: Andre Agassi, Boris Becker, Jennifer Capriati, Martina Hingis, Anna Kournikova, Pete Sampras, Monica Seles, Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, just to name a few.

"I'll get to work on the full game," Borza said. "They take every part of your game. I just really think every aspect of the game, and then put it to work in match play, playing against some of the best players in the world. It's just such good competition, and that's what makes you better and allows you to show improvement."

Borza, whose sisters Kristy and Nikki played tennis at Pitt, is a three-time PIAA Class AA tournament qualifier who has consistently held a ranking in the USTA's Middle States Region. She was a PIAA semifinalist as a sophomore.

Borza met Bollettieri a couple years ago when he was in town as a guest of ESPN college basketball personality Dick Vitale, who was here to broadcast a Pitt game and is a close friend of Bollettieri.

While in town, Bollettieri spoke to the Pitt tennis team, of which Kristy Borza was a member. That led to the family talking with Bollettieri and trying to figure out a way for Kim to at least get a taste of the academy.

She has worked out class arrangements with Beaver Area High School and will not be hindered in graduating on time. While in Bradenton, she will stay in a dorm at the facility.

"She's definitely been keeping up with her game and working on her game and getting better," said Riley Baker, coach of the Beaver varsity tennis team. "And we've all seen what the Bollettieri Academy can do for your tennis game, just by looking at who has been there.

"To get the opportunity to hit with some of the top players in the world for a few weeks? Definitely exciting."

The unfortunate part of the timing of the experience is that it cuts into the heart of the season for the Beaver tennis team. The Bobcats advanced to the PIAA Class AA semifinals last season, and Borza was looking forward to ending her high school career on a high note by helping lead Beaver at least that far.

The four weeks she will be in Florida will prohibit her from taking part in the section and WPIAL singles and doubles tournaments, but Borza will return in time for the WPIAL team playoffs.

Still, she fretted at the thought of being a "part-time teammate" and didn't want to be viewed as someone who wasn't dedicated to the team and just showed up and stole someone's place in the lineup.

The rest of the Bobcats, understanding the high regard that the Bollettieri Academy carries, were understanding.

"I wanted to make sure it was OK with them," Borza said. "I didn't want them to think I was just showing up randomly. I wanted to play. I've been with these same girls since my freshman year. We've even practiced together outside of tennis season.

"I love the team and coach and definitely wanted to stay on the girls' team. They were nice enough to all say that while I was here I could play. I will be there for team WPIALs and, hopefully, we have team states, and I will be here for that."

Junior Laura Shute is arguably the Bobcats' most improved player, taking over the role of second singles, at least while Borza is still with the team. Senior Katie Schmid also is playing singles this season after being a doubles player last season.

To start the season, junior Rebecca Shute, Laura's twin, is paired with sophomore Kendra Tetrick at first doubles, and sophomores Megan Zagorski and Patti Fronk occupied second doubles.

Freshman Isabelle Fronk and Cassidy Griffin and sophomores Jessie Kolback and Grace Russell also are pushing for lineup spots. Obviously, at least one of them will play much of the season.