Britni Arguelles (Webb) began playing tennis at age six. For the next 11 years, she competed in tournaments throughout the state, at one point being ranked as high as No. 15 in the Northern California Tennis Association. Showing what would become a signature character trait, she earned the Sportsmanship Award in both the 12-and-under and the 18-and-under divisions.
From 1994 to 1998, she was the Number 1 and 2 singles player for Placer High School (Auburn, CA), during which time the Hillmen won four Sierra Foothill League and four Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championships.
Her high school career was marked by classic battles with Placer teammate Karen Holland and Rio Americano rival Jill Howard. For three years, she battled Holland for the No. 1 singles spot, losing to her left-handed opponent in the Sierra Foothill League finals and the Sac-Joaquin Section finals her freshman year.
The next year, the right-handed Arguelles bested Holland for the SFL title and was scheduled to play her again for the section crown. But Holland had to back out after a stomach ailment over the weekend. Arguelles was offered a forfeit victory, but in a display of sportsmanship and respect for her rival and teammate, turned it down, wanting to win the title on the court. When Holland recovered, the two squared off again with Holland claiming the second of her three consecutive section championships.
For the next two years, Arguelles captured two more SFL singles titles, losing in sections to Rio’s Howard as a junior, but getting revenge by beating her in sections as a senior. It would not be the last time the two would meet. Arguelles served as Placer’s team captain during her senior year, and finished her career with more than 60 singles match wins, the most in the school’s history.
In high school, she was coached by PHS Athletic Hall of Fame coach Bill Miller during her first three years. “Miller was unique,” she said. “He never played tennis, but he was able to produce fantastic players due to his committed coaching style.”
Being under his tutelage was most impactful to her. “He was a big factor in my life. He was inspiring and demanding, but he cared about his players. He helped players become self disciplined and focused,” she said. “What I learned from him still helps me to this day. I’m thankful to have spent time with him.”
She recalled that Miller had a board outside the team’s tennis shed where he posted inspirational quotes, mantras, and newspaper articles. “We had to write down the quotes in our personal journals or run laps. We spent time before practice relaxing, focusing our minds on what we were going to do on the court, and in life. These strategies are helpful to me today.”
In her senior year, Rad McCord became her high school coach. “McCord had his own style, but he piggy-backed on Miller’s coaching,” and continued the team’s success. Having served as Miller’s assistant for three years, McCord knew what he had in Arguelles, a player with tournament experience, overwhelming power, and confidence. “Coaching her was simple; just step aside and let her go. It was her senior year, and I was not going to change her. She brought a whole new attitude to the court. If her opponent gave her an easy ball, she’d crush it to the corner.”
Arguelles earned an athletic scholarship to UC Davis for tennis. There, she played Number 1 and 2 singles and Number 1 doubles all four years. The Aggies team won the CCAA championship all four years (1999-2002). She was ranked as high as No.15 in Division II women’s singles tennis and was named NCAA Division II All-American in 2002. She also reunited with Rio Americano’s Howard and the two were ranked No. 10 nationally as a doubles team in 2000.
As a senior, she was awarded the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship Award for Division II. The prestigious honor recognizes players who excel on and off the court during their college careers. Players are honored for their tennis accomplishments, scholastic achievements, and extracurricular endeavors.
Arguelles earned a degree in Religious Studies at UCD, became a pastry chef after getting married, and then chose to be a stay at home mom to raise her two children. In 2024, she was the assistant JV Women's Tennis coach, alongside Tanya Caragol and Head JV Coach Liz Peterson. Still a player of the game, Arguelles puts a lot into the development of the players. Goal setting, mental toughness, work ethic, and team building are all top priorities in making the team successful.
