Tennis

Author: Jeff Klein

Tennis has always been one of Middlebury's strengths, and this year figures to be no different. The men are poised to make another deep run in the NCAAs after finishing the season with an 18-7 record and a berth in the semifinals.

Having compiled an astounding 130-32 record during his time at Middlebury, head coach Dave Schwarz is at the helm for his ninth season and will have considerable talent to work with. Lone senior Conrad Olson '09 hopes to team up with talented underclassmen to bring the Panthers their first NCAA championship since 2004.

"The team is looking good and everyone seems to be in shape and playing sharp tennis so far," said Olson. "We have five juniors abroad right now but we have three new solid freshmen."

According to Olson, Coach Schwarz has emphasized consistency and minimizing unforced errors. "Coach Schwarz said that the only time you should ever miss a ball is when you go for a high percentage aggressive shot," Olson said. "He also talked about the importance of staying positive and not allowing things you can't control to affect you during a match."

For the men, the goal is clear. "Our goal is always to win the NCAA title and we know it will take hard work," said Olson, "but we want nothing less."

The women also have high hopes for this year and are looking to improve considerably upon a first-round NESCAC defeat this past spring. Coaching will certainly prove a major asset on this team - in just his second year at Middlebury, head coach Mike Morgan was named NESCAC Coach of the Year at the end of last season. Co-captains Clare Burke '09 and Elizabeth Stone '09 will provide veteran leadership to the five first-years on the team, which, according to Burke, "is a big class for our small team and something that we're really excited about."