CU women’s tennis prepares for a new season
There seems to be a common theme when it comes to the women’s tennis team this season- there is more heart and drive on the team than ever.
Even though team practices did not officially start until this week, many of the players said they agree that this year’s team is special.
“This team can rely on talent and an extraordinary amount of heart- and heart can beat talent any day,” sophomore Christiane Pheil said.
There are six returning players and four incoming freshmen on this year’s team. Many of the players expressed their excitement about the new season.
Sophomore Abbie Probert said the team is focused on what they need to do to be successful this season.
“We are really motivated this year,” Probert said. “We set our goals, and we are aiming to improve.”
As practices begin, head coach Nicole Kenneally said she has picked out a few areas in which the team will need work.
With the loss of two seniors who ranked in the top 10 players in the Big 12, Kenneally said she is looking for girls who will step up into those leadership positions. Kenneally also said she hopes to prepare the freshmen and sophomores for competing at the college level, and the juniors and seniors to step up and lead.
Kenneally said that adapting to different kinds of play is a huge part of the improvement planned for this year.
“Most girls come into college with a lot of singles experience, so we are always going to be working on doubles,” Kenneally said.
In addition to the various areas that the team will work to improve upon, many of the players also want to prove themselves this year against some of the teams they faced last season.
“I’m looking forward to Baylor,” junior Melisa Esposito said. “We’ve traded wins and losses, and we’d like to get back on the winning side. Denver is an instate rival, and Nebraska is a fun school rivalry. We also had tight matches with both Texas and Texas A&M last year, so want to improve.”
The team kicks off its season during the Colorado Invitational, September 19-20 in Boulder.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Kelly Kirksey at kelly.kirksey@colorado.edu.
