by Will Menser, Staff Writer
The Asbury men’s and women’s tennis teams are heading back into action in the month of March. In total, the two teams have three seniors on the roster this year: Emily Ross and Caitlin Conyers on the women’s team, and Seth Heinss on the men’s team. These seniors have played every year thus far in their college careers and have been a part of some major success. Both teams have had winning records every season that they have played in with the men’s team going 17-2 last year and the women’s team going 12-4. The teams also won the conference championship last season, and the women’s team won the conference championship the season before as well. It’s no doubt that, with this experience, this small group of seniors will have a major impact on their respective teams.
To begin the season, the Eagles played against Campbellsville University. Unfortunately, they came up short in both, winning only two of the nine matches. Luckily it was the spring season opener, and it was against a very talented Campbellsville squad, so the Eagles will have plenty of time to get back on track.
The strength of schedule this year for both squads is difficult, but it is valuable preparation for the conference tournament, which is the most crucial part of the season. If the Eagles are able to win their conference tournaments, then they will get a bid to play in the NAIA Division II tournament. This is where the value of the seniors comes into play for these Eagles squads. All three seniors have experienced success at Asbury in their time here, and if they can help develop the younger players and prepare them for the post-season then the Eagles have a great shot at making a run in the Conference and National tournaments.
Being the lone senior on the men’s team, Heinss has a unique opportunity to lead. “The tennis team is very diverse, and I feel like a lot of my role as the only senior is working to unify the team so that we play with the same goals in mind,” he said. As for a personal goal, Heinss wants to leave a mark on the program. “I hope to leave a lasting impact for Christ. I hope that I will be able to cultivate leaders who will lead the team long after I am gone.”
As for the women’s team, the two seniors are already having an impact on the younger players this season. Freshman Alexa Slone discussed their impact thus far, saying, “The seniors have been amazing leaders this year. They really set an example for us and push us to be the best players we can be, but they’re also super easy to talk to and get along with.” Slone went on to discuss how they helped her adjust to collegiate level sports as she entered college. “I was extremely nervous for the first few weeks. I had been visiting Asbury for a few years and had seen how good the team was; it was pretty intimidating. But when I got here, everyone was great, including the captains. They really encouraged me and made me feel more at ease,” she said. This kind of leadership is exactly what it takes to create a team-focused yet still highly competitive atmosphere, which is crucial for success.
Both teams will look to have yet another successful season and try for another conference championship.
