“Good Shot!””Good Shot!” The sprinkling of spectators applauds one of Guilford’s tennis players.
“Lucky Shot!” The player’s opponent interjects.
Minutes later, the same opponent screams in defeat as his ball drops dead in the net again.
The men’s tennis team won their April 5 match against St. Mary’s with a final score of 6-3, adding a sixth match to their winning streak. In a huge turnaround from last year’s 0-12 record, this game brought the team’s current season record to 8-4.
The eight players are talented on the court, but their winning power comes from their attitude and confidence as individuals and as a team.
“In every tennis match you’ll have moments when things get difficult,” said first-year head coach Bert Poole. “At that moment you either believe in yourself or you start thinking of reasons why you’re going to lose, and that’s what these guys have learned not to do.”
One of Poole’s primary concerns is his players’ mentality. He believes their success results from a solid-mindedness and consistency of style that the team has developed over the year.
“Now they’re very conscious of staying in the match,” Poole said. “Like this team today, every kid out there was as talented, was as good as our team … We were just a little stronger mentally. That’s why we’re doing well.”
Last year, the men’s tennis team fell apart and lost every match by default. Players were disappointed with a lack of seriousness and a lack of organization from their coach. This year’s new coach has pulled the team back together, and the players appreciate his seriousness and effort.
“Now that Coach Poole is here it seems like we’ve got everything,” said junior team member Jose Ortiz. “When you’re in a team, you expect to make some sacrifices. You might not eat as well some days. You might not travel in luxury. But since Coach has been here, we ride in big busses, we’re eating good dinners and that helps out. It adds up, (and that’s why) we’re on this winning streak.”
The team exudes an impressive amount of optimism and camaraderie, especially given that matches are only one-on-one singles or doubles.
“It’s individual, but it’s more comfortable out there if you feel all your other teammates fighting together. You’re not alone,” said junior player Ryo Kawai.
The players attribute much of their success to their team dynamic and support. The team’s five juniors have embraced and supported their three first-years.
“We have a good team,” said first-year tennis player Patrick Childs, “a team that pushes each other to go out, to work out, to do the conditioning and have that momentum that we want to win. We had that mindset this year from the beginning.”
“I’m proud of finally having a team that meshes together and is like family,” said Ortiz. “The guys get along. They’re all good guys. That’s the way a team should be. Coach fits right in there, and that’s why we’re winning, because we’re a real team.”
The team will play in the ODAC tournament beginning April 14 following their four conference wins and two losses. The final two ODAC matches were played this week to determine the team’s final tournament placement.
Even in the midst of this season’s success, the team and coach are making plans for next year.
“We want to do really well in the ODAC tournament this year,” said Childs. “Washington and Lee always wins it. Our goal for next year is definitely beating them. If everyone comes back and we get a couple new recruits, then I think we could do it.