Kaleidoscope’s February 2026 Athlete of the Month is women’s tennis player Klara Kajabova.
Kajabova has been making an impact on the team since her freshman year at UAB, excelling in both singles and doubles. Her biggest strength is her endurance and perseverance, no matter how the match is going. Now, as the oldest player in her junior season, she hopes to continue leading her teammates.
Kajabova was born and raised in the Czech Republic, where she began playing tennis around the age of five or six before coming to UAB to play at the collegiate level.
“My parents always wanted me to play tennis. I tried other sports when I was younger, but I liked tennis the most.”
When asked why she chose to come to UAB, Kajabova said she really liked the tennis coach’s mentality and goals.
“I wanted to come to UAB because I wanted to come to a school that was good academically, because I care about my education as well. I don’t regret my decision at all and don’t plan on transferring.”
When asked whether she prefers singles or doubles matches, Kajabova said it varies. “Right now, I like singles more,” she remarked.
“When I was younger, I liked doubles more. It is a totally different game and I liked playing at the net as well as having someone on the court with me so we really had to work together.”
The season has just begun, but Kajabova has big goals for the rest of it.
“I need to stay positive on the court and keep doing what I’m doing currently because I feel like I am on a good consistent path. The goal is to fight for the team.”
She would love to see her team win the conference and beat ranked teams.
Earlier this month, Kajabova and her doubles partner, Kristyna Damaskova, won their match against the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide, a big accomplishment for them and the rest of the team.
So far, her favorite memory at UAB is clinching a match against Wichita State. The moment gives her the confidence she needs to keep fighting as both an athlete and an individual.
