Roster:
Parker Duda – Junior
David Jarvis – Senior
Jameson Lumpkin – Freshman
John Behm – Senior
Rachel Habermehl – Junior
Rachel Severson – Grad
Maddy Hewett – Sophomore
Alyssa Bristol – Freshman
Teams defeated this season: University of Wyoming A and B, University of Northern Colorado A and B, University of Colorado B, University of Utah A, Florida Gulf Coast University B, Utah Valley B, Florida State University C.
Q: How did you first hear about the Tennis on Campus program? What made you decide to actively take part and also become a leader on your campus? How do you feel about TOC and being a captain?
I first heard about the Tennis on Campus program through a friend that was currently participating on the team at CSU. I have played tennis throughout my childhood and high school and I definitely wanted to keep competing. I love participating in TOC because there is great competition and we have been able to connect with several students from surrounding universities. Being a captain has been a great experience so far this year. We have become closer as a team, participated in more events and increased the interest in our club. It is great being able to encourage my teammates while helping them improve their game and succeed in tournaments.
Q: How did you enjoy your National Championships experience last year?
We had a wonderful experience last year. The facility was amazing and the teams were incredible to compete against.
Q: What does it mean to be back? Was it a more difficult road to return to Nationals?
It is a great feeling being back. This year was definitely more difficult to return to Nationals because we did not receive one of the initial bids from our sectionals tournament.
Q: In what ways has your team improved this year?
Our men’s and women’s doubles have become more competitive allowing us to be more successful in the tournaments we attend.
Q: What do you tell new players about Nationals, or players that are traveling for the first time to compete for your school?
I have been telling them how it is the tournament of the year. The facility is amazing, the teams are the best of the best and it has a great competitive atmosphere.
Q: Who was your toughest opponent at past Nationals and how did they challenge you to become better?
Our toughest opponent last year was Pittsburgh. They destroyed both of our doubles teams making us realize the improvement that needed to be made.
Q: Does your team actively use social media to stay connected? If so, what social media platforms are your favorites? Does your team use social media in any special way that you feel sets you apart from other teams?
Our team mainly uses Facebook to stay connected. We use Facebook to send out practice and match information as well as to help with fundraising for the club.
Q: Do you have many seniors on your team? Do you think they know about opportunities after graduation like “Sets in the City” or young adult social leagues? Do you think anyone on your team would be interested in starting one?
We have two seniors on our team. I do not think they know about adult social leagues but would probably like to participate in them.
Share with us some of the ways you help out in the local and global communities in the name of tennis.
Our team has a practice squad that allows some members of the community to come and practice with the team. This gives people the opportunity to continue improving their skills if they don’t have access to drills or lessons.
Share with us a funny story about the 2015 team or team member(s).
Our team decided to attend the FGCU Dirty Bird Classic this winter in Fort Myers. The night before we were supposed to return home, all of our flights had been cancelled but since we couldn’t miss more class, a group of us had to head to the airport at 4 a.m. right when the check-in desk opened to request to be moved to another flight. We ended up having to drive two hours to another airport in Tampa to get on the last flight out to Denver. It was a pretty crazy night/morning for the team, but we had some good laughs about the experiences that came of it.
If a local newspaper was to write a story about your team what is the one thing you’d want to make sure they included?
I would want to make sure they included how we are the first sports team at CSU to acquire a partnership with CorePower Yoga. The team has made an effort to expand the way we train and stay healthy and CPY has been a great outlet. We will be working with the company to promote the team as well as the different types of yoga that are extremely beneficial to tennis players.
