Following a tough season in the fall of 2024, first-year Head Coach
Micah Schilke will look to guide the women's tennis team back to the upper half of the Empire 8 conference standings. Coach Schilke shared his thoughts on what needs to be done to capture their goals.
What team goals have you put in place for the coming season?
We are striving to improve each day. We want to be a team that is hard to beat and who no one wants to play. Regardless of results, we want to make our opponents earn everything.
What are the keys to meeting those goals?
We need to have a growth mindset and create a team atmosphere of positivity. It will take a lot of hard work and focus every day in training.
What are your team's greatest strengths?
The team is very coachable and hungry to learn. Practices have been competitive They genuinely love being around each other and are quick to build each other up.
What personnel losses from last season will be hardest to replace?
MyaKay Bartman and
Kelsi Clapper will both be difficult to replace. Both were key players for us last year, athletic and quick learners.
Ally Leary played high in the lineup last season as well. We will miss her on the court, but are so thankful and excited to welcome her to the coaching staff this fall.
Who are the key returners and what do they provide the team?
Arija Grant and
Clancey Cockle are both wonderful players, but just as importantly provide stable leadership for this young group. Both are world-class teammates who are always ready to encourage and set the tone in training.
Who are some of the newcomers who could contribute and what do they add to your team?
Sage Brinkerhoff is our lone freshman. She is extremely talented and has a great mentality and grit to her game. We are so excited to see what she can do on the court in her first college season.
What are some of the pivotal games on the schedule?
All conference matches are very important. One we are looking forward to in particular is against SUNY Brockport on October 3rd. We had a really close match with them last year and can't wait to have another shot against them this year.
