The St. Olaf womenıs tennis team has a long standing tradition of excellence. According to Scott Nebsbit, coach of both the men's and womenıs teams, this year should be no exception.

For the past three years, the women have finished second in the MIAC. Currently the Oles are 2-1 after victories over Concordia-Moorhead College and the College of Saint Benedict. The teamıs only loss came in last weekıs match against Gustavus Adolphus College, a perennial powerhouse in the womenıs tennis circuit.

The team is gearing up to face Hamline University and the College of St. Catherine in the next two weeks. Following these matches the girls will depart for the sunny courts of Tucson, Ariz. for a Spring Break training trip.

Upon their return, Nesbit plans on "continuing our regimen of practicing and playing matches. Our season will conclude in early May with our conference tournament here in Northfield, hosted by St. Olaf and Carleton."

Nesbit attributes much of the teamıs success to "the wonderful student-athletes we presently have on the team. They are hard workers in the classroom."

For the past three years, the women have been honored as an ITA (Intercollegiate Tennis Association) All-Academic Team. This award is bestowed only upon teams whose players collectively have GPAıs of 3.2 and higher. Nesbit admits that he is "extremely proud of the way the players are able to excel in both athletic and academic endeavors."

This yearıs team consists of seniors Alyssa Derksen and Rebekah VanWieren, juniors Abigail Betts, Lindsay Gorham and Bethany Kochsiek, sophomores Yvonne Yang, Jennifer Ison and Janelle Sageness as well as first-year student Jamie Brau.

These student-athletes are enjoying a smaller squad than they have been used to in the past. According to Derksen, the womenıs team captain, "having a smaller squad means we donıt have segregation between the classes. Plus, everyone is equal in skill."

Being part of a smaller team has meant an easier transition for first-year contender Brau. "Everyone on the team has been so nice and helpful," said Brau. "I donıt feel the least bit uncomfortable being the only freshman."

The teamıs cohesiveness has been the highlight of St. Olaf tennis for Derksen and Kochsiek. "The girls are my closest friends," said Derksen. Kochsiek agrees that being part of the team is, "A great way to be a part of the school community."

The girls are already well on the way to achieving one of Nesbitıs goals for the season. "[Teamwork is] one of my major goals for the season and favorite aspects of coaching," said Nesbit. "I strongly believe that the support of team members can bring out the best in a person."

"I have seen time and time again with myself and others that a person plays above their capabilities because of the encouragement of their teammates, friends, family, and coaches," added Nesbit. "Together with the opportunity to work and get to know some wonderful people, the team aspect is really what makes coaching tennis at St. Olaf so enjoyable for me."

The teamıs trip to Arizona will undoubtedly heighten team unity. Nesbit describes the trip as, "An important time to get used to playing outside again and to have the opportunity to be together on an extended basis."

The players see the trip in the same light. "There is a good combination between work and play," said Derksen. "We play tougher opponents so we have lots of competition. We also have lots of time with the team."

Kochsiek looks forward to the trip being "a lot of together time. Itıs a little less hard-core because we have time to hang out with the team. Itıs so much fun."

The team members recognize the need to improve. "We need to dictate the play," said Brau. "Instead of just volleying we need to create our own shots."

The team has adopted the mantra, "Patience, Patience, Opportunity." Repeating this phrase reminds the women that the opportunity for a great shot doesnıt always arise immediately.

The players agree that they have a fabulous coach backing them up. "Heıs the best," said Kochsiek of Nesbit. "Heıs what makes the team. He is a constant for us, always very energetic."

Brau agrees that Nesbit is, "Intense without being condescending."

Nesbit is quick to point out that he has excellent assistant coaches backing him up. Former St. Olaf tennis player Kristi Stets and current faculty member Ann Leming are key contributors to the teamıs success. Nesbit recognizes that the assistant coaches "do a great job of developing skills and teamwork among our players."

Thanks to a dedication to teamwork, eight devoted players, and a strong coaching staff, the St. Olaf womenıs tennis team is bound to be successful both on and off the court.