The UTM tennis teams have always strived to be the best, and this year is no exception.

The teams are already off to a good start this spring semester by defeating Austin Peay this past Saturday. The women’s team won by a score of 6–1, and the men’s team won by a score of 4–3. This brings their spring semester record to 2-0.

Each year individuals from around the world are chosen to become UTM tennis players where they will be involved in a year-round season packed with extensive practices and intensive matches.

UTM tennis coach Dennis Taylor says the teams practice everyday. Their practice consists of two and a half hours of on-the-court practice and one hour of conditioning and weight training.

Taylor also said that each player is involved in summer tennis camps and UTM tennis’ “survivor week.” “Survivor week” is one week in summer in which the players are not allowed to leave the tennis court. They literally eat, sleep and, of course, practice on the courts.

Taylor has very high expectations for both teams on and off the court this year. The ultimate on-the-court goal is to win the Ohio Valley Conference where they will compete against the top eight OVC teams. The women’s team, however, also wishes to get a good national ranking by competing in the NCAA rounds.

Taylor also expects all the members of his teams to excel in their studies, be on the dean’s list and have the highest GPA ranking of any organization including the Honors Department.

While every team has their wins and losses, not every team shares a close-knit relationship to help each other get through good and bad times. Taylor said that each player has respect for one another and hopes for success in each other’s lives.

Taylor said, “It’s more like a family, than a team.”

Although big competitors such as Samford, Morehead and Murray State lie ahead in the teams’ distant future, UTM tennis will still strive to succeed. However, it is also important that the student body of UTM get involved. Taylor wants students to come out and see how talented these players really are.