Roster:
Emily Plutsky – Senior
Blair Dozois – Junior
Lillian Wheary – Freshman
Panus (Neu) Nipatsaj – Junior
Michael Stephenson – Freshman
Andrew Salvador – Junior
Sam Stadter – Sophomore
Teams defeated this season: Sectionals: Gonzaga, Washington State University, Eastern Washington, Whitman
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 TOC my freshman year of college when I participated in the Spring Invitational in Tucson, Ariz. I decided to join club tennis because I had played tennis since I was a little and wanted to continue playing throughout college at a level that was still competitive but fun. I decided to become a leader of club tennis because I was so appreciative of what the team had done for me since I was a freshman. We are a really tight knit group of individuals with a common interest, and I love leading a group of people that have become some of my best friends. I think TOC is awesome, and I think it’s only gotten better since I started playing club tennis.
Q: How did you enjoy your National Championships experience last year?
I loved Nationals last year. I thought it was really well organized and I know my entire team had a blast.
Q: What does it mean to be back? Was it a more difficult road to return to Nationals?
It feels amazing that we qualified for Nationals again. While we lost in a close match to OSU in the finals at Sectionals, it means so much to be leading such a quality team to such an important tournament. I can’t wait for all the new members on the team to experience Nationals in April.
Q: In what ways has your team improved this year?
We lost a lot of graduating seniors last year. Therefore, we have lots of new members this year who are motivated to do well. All of the new members we’ve gained have improved the team tremendously because of their high energy and willingness to play.
Q: What do you tell new players about Nationals, or players that are traveling for the first time to compete for your school?
I tell them to be open-minded, relax and to have fun. What I’ve learned from being able to travel these past four years is that if you go into it with a positive attitude, willing to meet and compete with other schools, you’ll make the best of it.
Q: Who was your toughest opponent at past Nationals and how did they challenge you to become better?
We had tons of tough matches, but one that sticks out was our loss against Harvard. It was a really close match and during our mixed doubles, there was a rain delay and we continued the next day. It just taught us to continue playing hard and that sometimes, when you least expect it, crazy things can happen but you just need to have a positive outlook and move forward.
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?
Yes, we have Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook but use Instagram and Twitter the most. We post updates about tournaments and post action pictures of our members.
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?
I am the only senior and have heard about these opportunities. I will definitely be joining a league upon graduation.
Share with us some of the ways you help out in the local and global communities in the name of tennis.
Two years ago we hosted a kids’ clinic where we invited kids interested in playing tennis to the UO courts where we taught them the fundamentals of tennis. Also, we help UO athletics with varsity baseball and softball cleanups to make sure that that all facilities are well kept.
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 them to include not only our successes as a team, but also how our team is really a close group of people who are friends beyond tennis.
