Sandy is a native of San Bernardino, California. After high school, Sandy went to Odessa College where she played tennis for Coach Virginia Brown and the Wranglers. After two seasons with Odessa College, Sandy transferred to the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where she would complete her college career. Upon her college graduation, Sandy who had had a very successful amateur career, decided to turn pro. Sandy would spend the next 17 years on the pro tennis tour, with the one huge accomplishment of beating Billie Jean King in her second year. At different times in her career, Sandy was ranked as high as 17th in the world in singles and doubles. Through her accomplishments, Sandy was recognized by Oakley Sunglasses and became the first tennis player to be endorsed by the company. Sandy has since retired from the pro circuit and now is the tennis coach at Texas Tech University.