Barbara Pavlick (Finger)
Barbara Pavlick (Finger) put together two of the most successful seasons in women's tennis history in 1979 and 1980. In 1979, she helped Menlo win the Coast Conference team title with an undefeated record – the only team at Menlo to win the conference that season. They would go on to win the California State Division II State Championship that same year and Pavlick took home two titles – the California State Division II Singles Championship and the Division II Doubles Championship with her partner Jill Matson. In 1980, she was the California State Singles runner-up.
"I was totally shocked. It was an unexpected gift," said Pavlick upon receiving the Hall of Fame news. "I had just visited the Menlo campus and walked out to both sets of tennis courts. I toured the newer courts looking at the signs depicting the years and titles won. I remember thinking 'well, they don't go back as far as when I was here – darn it!' Then the next week, Keith [Spataro] contacted me!"
In addition to her on-court successes at Menlo, she was a member of the Phi Sigma Scholastic Honorary Society, volunteered with the Special Olympics, was the winner of the F. Philler Curtis Award, won the English Department Outstanding Performance Award and graduated with a 3.89 GPA.
"Menlo was perfect for me at the time," said Pavlick. "Our family had just suffered a tragedy with my sister passing and in my heart of hearts, I knew I needed to be close to home. Menlo was always tradition – both my father and brother attended Menlo. I was offered a scholarship and the opportunity to play tennis and I was able to experience college and live in the dorms while staying close to home. It was truly a perfect fit."
Barbara is the daughter of Bud and Bobby Finger. Bud is a Menlo College Hall of Fame athlete, who went on to Stanford where he was a member of two national championship golf teams. He eventually became the head professional and coach at Stanford and is a member of the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame and the Stanford Hall of Fame.
