Four and twelve. That’s the University of Tampa women’s tennis record this season. On paper it might not look too impressive, but for a team that won just three games a year ago, it’s a step in the right direction.
Al DuFaux, who has been coaching the women’s tennis squad since 2000, came to UT from Gaither High School. He speaks clearly and comfortably, not overbearing but confident in himself and his tennis. Coach DuFaux said that although his team has run into some problems and injuries, they have had some success, and it’s been noticed on the national level. UT is currently ranked 40th in Division II tennis.
“We’ve had a better season this year than last,” said DuFaux. “Anytime you’re ranked nationally, you can’t argue with that.”
The Spartan women are playing under some tough circumstances as of late, though. Lauren Hewett, normally slotted as their number one player, has been off the court for over five weeks due to a sprained ankle. Leslie Raymond, the former number two, has stepped in nicely in her absence.
Voted District and Regional Player of the Year at Barron Collier High School, Raymond, a freshman, is an important piece to the future of UT tennis. She has won five matches this year, tied for the team lead. Raymond is a key component to a squad that is, if nothing else, young. The Spartan women sport five freshmen on their roster this year.
She said that her experience on the team has helped shape the beginning of her college career in many ways.
“It’s been a huge part of my freshman year. I’m so close to every one of the girls, my roommate [Amber Fahrner] is on the team and we’ve become best friends,” said Raymond. “They’re like my family now.”
Coach DuFaux expressed this sentiment, saying that the team’s biggest strength is their “camaraderie and team spirit.” As young as the women are, it’s important to have a strong foundation and core off which to build. The women must grow individually, but more importantly, as a team.
It’s exciting to watch them play this year, but with only a few upperclassmen, the next two to three years should be a very interesting time for a UT tennis program that last made the NCAA Tournament in 2006.
“Over half the team is brand new to college tennis,” said Coach DuFaux. “So you gain a year’s experience and that means a lot.”
But playing in the Sunshine State Conference doesn’t help one bit.
Although the team has won four games this year, they remain 0-6 against SSC opponents. Coach DuFaux says that the conference is “one of the toughest tennis conferences in the country,” and the stats back it up.
Four of the top 11 spots in the Division II Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings, were filled by SSC schools as of March 29.
Lynn University, in Boca Raton, boasts a 19-1 record this season and made an appearance in the NCAA Division II women’s tennis Final Four last year. Barry University, in Miami Shores, made it to the Elite Eight. Although they’re making progress outside of conference with wins against Bentley University and Ohio Northern, UT still faces it’s toughest battles in state.
With a young team sprouting around her, there still remains one senior left on this squad. Lisa Montgomery has played tennis since she was seven, including all four years she’s attended UT. Montgomery hopes to become a physician’s assistant after she graduates, and she says her sport is a big part of her success in all aspects of her life.
“It’s basically shaped my entire college experience,” she said. “It’s not just about the game of tennis. It’s about life skills.”
Mongomery said that she thinks the team is going to be vastly improved by next year and the year after especially. When asked about how it feels to leave the team, she gives a glum smile.
“It’s sad, it’s bittersweet,” said Montgomery. “Tennis has been such a big part of my life in college and I really loved it. It was a great experience.”
Miles Parks can be reached at mparks@spartans.ut.edu.