New Training Prepares Tennis for SCIAC

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Author: Sant Kumar

This year the men’s tennis team is looking to their increased depth and intensity to improve their play and carry them to a national ranking within the top 25. This year, the team is strong from the first-ranked player to the last-ranked player, proving themselves a formidable opponent to other teams.

In particular, the first-years on the team have contributed new talent that elevates the team’s overall play.

“We have a couple really good freshman, so the depth of the team is definitely better than last year,” Jordan Brown (sophomore) said.

This year the team is also determined to win matches against the best teams in the division.

“Last year in our big SCIAC matches we came up short. We could compete, but we were always one step behind. It’s a lot about stepping up. We’re taking practice more seriously this year,” Arias said.

Head coach Michael Guice, a second year coach, has changed his approach to training. He has incorporated a variety of drills to improve the team’s fitness.

“This year I’m placing a lot of emphasis on conditioning. I make the players run a lot more, incorporating sprints, relay races and drills that keep the players moving at all times,” Guice said.

He is also focusing on the unique needs of each of his players.

“Every practice is thoroughly thought-out, incorporates a component of physical fitness and allows me to see every player go through a wider variety of situations,” Guice said.

The biggest change this season, however, is Guice’s lenience towards the players. He expects more from them this season than ever before. “This year, I’ve been a little harder on them,” Guice said.

Perseverance has directly affected the team’s new intensity and focus. Coach Guice tells his players to fight through each point and not to take anyone for granted. He emphasizes resilience so that the team can play better in bigger matches and improve their ranking.

“Coaching is a lot easier when a player actually understands my intent, takes in what I’m trying to say and does his best to execute. In the same token, a player who can play a match point to point, instead of thinking about what’s ahead or behind, will be stronger and more relaxed,” Guice said.

The players agree with Coach Guice, and, as a result, have a developed a close bond. Their desire to win and compete with every single team they play has united them, making them better teammates and friends.

“Everyone looks out for each other. We weren’t sure how freshmen would match with us, but the new players fit in really well and took in the aspect of family — the best team I’ve ever been on in terms of being like a family. The team is unified around tennis,” Arias said.

Perhaps Jeremy Shapiro (first-year) summarizes the men’s tennis team the best.

“Coming in I was expecting a pretty deep team and that is what we have. Everyone is really close in skill level, so there’s a lot of competition in skill level. There is a healthy competition, and everyone on the team gets along,” Shapiro said. 

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