TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

Explain the format of a tennis match. How many singles and doubles matches are played?
In a match, there are three doubles and six singles matches. In the Mid-American Conference, we play a seven-point game. That means each singles match win counts for one point, and winning two of the three doubles matches counts for one point. An example of a match score would be 5-2 or 4-3.

Is it hard to go from a singles match to a doubles match in the same competition? How much practice time do you spend on each format?
During matches, doubles is played first. I would say that we practice doubles a bit more than singles, since it requires a greater assortment of shots such as lobs, overheads, drop shots and volleys to win the point. I think that it’s easier to play singles after a doubles match, because all my different shot selections will have already been warmed up.

What is the significance of having good chemistry with a doubles partner?
To have good chemistry with your doubles partner is the key to success. A great doubles team possesses good communication as far as who is going to hit the ball, as well as the ability to successfully anticipate the shot that your partner is going to hit. The most important aspect of a doubles team is to be able to feed off of your partner’s emotions and also being able to pump your partner up at important times during a match.

What kind of emphasis does your team put on the fall season, and how much does that help you prepare for the spring season?
The fall season is important in helping us gear up for MAC play in the spring. We test out different doubles teams and positions, as well as working on improving certain aspects of our match play. We also do a number of team-building activities, which allows for the freshmen to get to know us better.

Does your team practice over the winter months? What goes on during those practices?
In the winter, we play at an indoor tennis club – the Village Glen in Williamsville. During that time, we work on drills, match play and technique. Off the court, we do some weight training, conditioning and work on mental toughness with a sports psychiatrist.

What did the spring break trip to Orlando do for your team camaraderie?
Our team camaraderie was great even before heading to Florida. Our trip to Orlando really helped us prepare for teams in the MAC. We had some awesome matches that boosted our team spirit. We also spent a lot of time and went to new places together. I think the seniors also got a chance to bond with each other and particularly enjoyed our last trip together with the team.

How much of a difference is there in playing outside at the Ellicott Courts as compared to indoors at Village Glen Tennis Club?
The difference between playing indoors and outdoors is the environment. At Ellicott, you have to take into account the sun, wind and cold. These elements can affect your strategy against your opponent, such as hitting into the wind or lobbing into the sun.

Have you developed any personal rivalries with competitors during your four years at UB? Discuss any rivalries on a team-level with non-conference opponents and MAC teams.
I have not really developed any personal rivalries, nor has my team with any of our opponents. I think that rivalries sometimes bring on too many emotions. In tennis, you cannot let your emotions take over the way you play. We enter each match with the same mindset against any opponent and focus on what we need to get done to win.

Talk about returning for a strong 2001-02 campaign following a shoulder injury that forced you to miss last season.
During the summer of 2000, I had reconstructive shoulder surgery with a six-month recovery period, which forced me to miss most of last year. It was really hard for me to come back after not playing for a whole year. I guess the most important thing that helped me come back with a strong season was my mental training.

Besides physical training, I worked on visualization and imagery techniques, as well as watching a lot of videotapes of the pros. Because of these exercises, I was able to come back with confidence and play at the same level I was at before my injury. I think that my love for this sport and my team was what made me so determined to come back stronger and healthier.

How do you balance class work in your mechanical engineering major with the time constraints a student-athlete faces?
Being an engineering major and an athlete at the same time has made me very good at time management. I have to be very organized in planning out each day to make sure that I get all my work done. I have learned that procrastination is not an option.