The NCC women’s tennis team kicked off their season in Waukesha, Wis. on Aug. 31, 2024. This win makes it their 47th straight College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin match in a 7-0 victory over Carroll University.
Head coach’s first CCIW appearance
First-time Head Coach Nathaniel Boatright of the NCC women’s Tennis Team recently made his debut. Bringing with him a plethora of coaching experience, he is a valuable addition to the NCC Women’s Tennis Team.
“I hold this team to high standards and they surpassed them on Saturday. I was definitely excited to watch them compete, as that’s always one of the reasons they chose NCC. It was good to get a feel for things last year as the assistant and Interim Men’s Coach for a bit. I’m looking forward to continuing the success of this program,” said Boatright.
After overcoming some early pressures it was pure dominance for NCC. Boatright was very proud of the way his team responded to some early adversity and shaky nerves. Boatright comments, “the beginning was a little shaky but it always is when you put the uniform on to open the season. I [am]blown away by the discipline everyone showed in their tennis and the mentality that we fight hard.”
Newcomer excellence
While satisfied with the whole team, Boatright was specifically impressed with the way his freshman performed and handled playing in their first ever college match. He states, “[the freshman]are doing a good job of implementing practice into their match play. In singles it was amazing. Both of them posted fast and decisive wins against potentially troubling opponents.”
First-year Priya Harris, ’28, had an impressive debut winning at No. 2 doubles, 6-4, with her partner Ainara Casado Cedillo, ’28. However, Harris’s day didn’t stop there. Harris also had a dominant win in singles. Having to play right away as a freshman may not be easy, but Harris rose to the occasion.
First-year nerves
Being a first-year and playing for the first time comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility. Addressing this, Harris adds that “being a freshman, there’s already a lot of pressure on your back to perform well so there were many thoughts going through my head.”
While college athletics may be stressful for everyone, studies have shown that it has the biggest impact on freshman athletes. Authors of research published in the May 2020 Frontiers in Sports and Active Living noted: “Freshmen collegiate athletes may be especially more susceptible to mental health issues than older students. Their transition includes not only the academic environment with its requirements and expectations, but also the adaptation to working with a new coach and teammates.”
Harris credits the communication and teamwork that she and her doubles partner have been working hard on for the reason why they were able to win their hard-fought doubles match. Harris is more used to playing singles matches, so that transition was much smoother for her.
“In singles, I feel way more comfortable because it’s what I’ve practiced more. When it started, I felt comfortable on court already since the singles was immediately after doubles and I was warmed up, so I came out very strong,” said Harris, ’28.
Up next NCC will once again be heading to Wisconsin for more CCIW play Wednesday, Sept. 11, facing off against Carthage College at 3:30 p.m. at Smeds Tennis Center.
