It's no small feat to play a Division I sport while studying architecture, one of the toughest college majors, but that hasn't stopped Tamara Barad Itzhaki from excelling in both. The women's tennis senior is wrapping up her fourth of five years in the School of Architecture, with plans to continue playing professional tennis as she pursues a career as an architect.
In fact, it was tennis that actually led Barad Itzhaki to discover her passion for architecture as a little girl.
"I had extra shoeboxes because we switched shoes a lot in tennis," Barad Itzhaki remembered. "And most people would use music or art as therapy after matches, but for me, I started taking these boxes out and just making recycled models, like a cinema or a restaurant. I loved being creative with it, so my parents encouraged me to think about becoming an architect."
Growing up in Israel, Barad Itzhaki was inspired to play tennis after watching the success of nationally ranked stars who came from humble Israeli backgrounds. As she progressed in her own career as a junior player, Barad Itzhaki competed across the globe in New Zealand, China, South Korea, the Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya, Australia, Germany and Spain. Seeing all the diverse cultures and unique building designs further reinforced her love for architecture.
Barad Itzhaki earned an ITF Juniors career-high ranking of 293. She became notorious for rebounding from near losses, making shocking comebacks from any score deficit. Once, at a Tennis Europe tournament, Barad Itzhaki was down 6-1, 5-0, 40-0 against a Russian player, but surprised the crowd by winning the match.
"They were already sending the guys over to my court because they thought it was over," Barad Itzhaki laughed. "And then people kept waiting and waiting but the match still wouldn't end. I knew that if I believed in myself and took advantage of the other player's hesitation, I could win it."
Coming out of high school, Barad Itzhaki was conscripted into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), serving in the Israeli Air Force while continuing to compete in tournaments. By this point, she had already earned her professional ranking in the WTA, with her career-high ranking eventually rising to 844.
During her time of service, she received scholarship offers from dozens of US college tennis programs and made official visits to five of them. Barad Itzhaki's decision was made easy when she visited Tech. She felt a strong connection with head coach Terry Ann Zawacki-Holdren and knew that Tech offered a nationally ranked School of Architecture.
"It was just so exciting to see all of the building models when I visited," Barad Itzhaki said. "I fell in love with the architecture school and knew I'd have a coach I could always count on."
Due to finishing up her time in the Air Force, Barad Itzhaki began her first year during the spring 2021. There was a lot to take in during the transition.
She was thrown straight into an intense spring tennis season with the big responsibility of playing Court 1, took virtual classes due to the timing of the COVID-19 pandemic and had to adjust to many cultural differences. But she was welcomed with open arms by her teammates, coaches and a friendly Virginia Tech community.
"Being in the studio and modeling your designs is very important to studying architecture, so virtual classes were difficult for me," Barad Itzhaki admitted. "I had to take summer studio since I missed the fall. But I received so much support during that first semester, especially from my roommate and suite mates."
During her 3 ½ years as a Hokie, Barad Itzhaki has won 31 total singles matches, including three ranked wins, while maintaining her WTA professional ranking. She had a memorable comeback when playing Marshall her first season, winning the game-clinching point in singles on Court 1 when the third set came down to the wire.
Off the court, Barad Itzhaki has mastered architectural theory, drafting and design, working through all-nighters in the studio to bring her innovative ideas to life. Some of her major projects include designing a WeWork office and a Richmond science museum renovation.
"People don't realize that these projects are a semester long, and that it goes far beyond just drawing," Barad Itzhaki said. "I think the beauty of architecture is that you can do so many different things within the major, like laser cutting, screen printing and physical modeling, in addition to drawing. For example, I'm much more of a physical modeler than a drawer."
Effective time management has been crucial to staying on top of her busy schedule. Barad Itzhaki plans out each week, sets reminders and holds herself accountable for the completion of all assignments, while putting in whatever extra hours on the court she may need.
But no matter how crazy her schedule may seem, she will always make time for her friends.
"I probably won't remember every presentation I've done, but I will remember a really fun night I spent with a friend," Barad Itzhaki said. "I'm trying to make sure that I also enjoy college and being with my friends, and it helps me get through all of my work."
Although her Tech tennis career has ended, Barad Itzhaki plans to continue playing professionally while she completes the fifth and final year of her degree. Long term, she'd like to open her very own architecture firm.
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Writing HERstory: Barad Itzhaki's double life on court, in studio
