Clarksville, Ark.-With the talent already present and the ushering in of new players, the U of O women?s tennis team hopes to improve on what they accomplished last year and make more history in the process. Head Coach Shaun Wiseman says his expectations for this season are to qualify for the playoffs.
“We have consistently been fourth in the conference since I’ve started coaching here,” Wiseman said. “I’m looking forward to continuing our progress as a program and a team. I’m really excited for this upcoming season and my expectations are for these girls to qualify for the playoffs.”
Only the top three teams in the division qualify for the playoffs. UT-Tyler and UT-Dallas are nationally ranked and they will be Ozarks toughest competition.
The captains for the Lady Eagles are Chelsea Glasscock and Tara Richards. Both have helped to develop the program. In 2010, Glasscock and Richards received ASC All-East Division Honorable Mention Team honors for doubles. Sophomore Whitney Lewis is also considered a leader for the Lady Eagles. Lewis has a work ethic that is unrivaled.
“She is out there in 20 degree weather hitting against the backboard and running sprints on the courts in the middle of December. You don’t see that kind of commitment much and it is wonderful as a coach to see that,” Wiseman said. “It puts a smile on your face.”
According to Wiseman, the team is the most close-knit group he has had at Ozarks.
Wiseman’s goal is to have a family oriented team that is centered on academics first, then social development, and then athletics. They have the highest team grade point average since his arrival and the highest quality caliber of tennis players.
Tennis fans can get their first glimpse of the Lady Eagles February 11 at the Hendrix College Invitational.
By Kaitlyn Williams, Sports Information Student Assistant
Topics: Athletics