When Jason Labrosse steps on the court tomorrow at LaNelle Robson Tennis Center, it will likely be his final home match.
Labrosse, a redshirt junior who still has a year of eligibility remaining, has been hobbled by numerous injuries throughout his career at Arizona. He’s coming off of a back injury that sidelined him throughout the team’s fall season as well as the first few matches of the spring season.
Since returning, yet another injury has arisen. Soreness in his abdomen has forced Labrosse to restructure his serving motion.
Ultimately, it was this compilation of injuries that led to Labrosse’s decision to forgo his final season with the Wildcats.
Labrosse said the coaches “”kind of put some pressure (on a decision) for next spring early.””
“”When I told them I wasn’t going to come back, I was pretty injured,”” he said.
Another reason for Labrosse’s departure is his desire to begin a career in business management, his major.
“”If everything goes well, I’m graduating (this year),”” Labrosse said. “”And I really can’t wait to get into the business world.””
In addition to leaving behind the team, Labrosse will also be departing from his younger brother, Alex, a redshirt freshman.
Alex came to Arizona because of his brother, but he said he always knew the day would come where he would be the only Labrosse on the team.
“”I was expecting (not having him around), because, obviously, he’s older,”” Alex said. “”College is always hard no matter who you’re with, but maybe it was easier having him here with me, helping me. At least I had one good year of experience, so now I guess I am just going to do my own stuff.
“”I still have the team,”” Alex added. “”So if I need help, I’ll find help through my teammates.””
The Labrosse brothers, along with the rest of the Wildcats (5-16, 0-6 Pacific 10 Conference), will host ASU (12-9, 3-3) at noon for Arizona’s final regular-season match.
Jason’s exit will only intensify the rivalry tomorrow. He said he “”wants to win this one more than anything.””
“”I’m going to do everything that I can to help the team win,”” he added. “”I have to focus on my match first, but I’ll try to get done as fast as possible and go cheer for the other guys.””
A win could go further than just putting a positive cap on Labrosse’s college career. Arizona would snap a 10-match losing streak and be able to end what has been a frustrating season on an encouraging note.
“”A win won’t redeem the overall season,”” Labrosse said, “”but it will encourage us and show us something positive before we head into the offseason.””