The Lee University men and women's tennis teams, headed by new Tennis Coach Patrick Hynes, look to bring a new culture to their team this spring season.
The men's tennis team is coming off of a 2-13 record in the spring 2013-2014 season, but sophomore Kip Kahler feels that this season will be much different for the Flames.
“As a team we are not expecting to merely survive the season and call it a rebuilding year, but we are expecting to be competitive in our conference and be seen as a real threat,” Kahler said. “We are a different team than we were last year.”
Hynes, who is in his first year of coaching for the Flames, feels that although it might take time, with a new culture of tennis at Lee, this team can compete at a national level.
“We want to strengthen our culture, a culture of accountability to each other,” Hynes said. “[We want] a team first mentality. We're trying to take our program to a national level; it's going to take time but we can at least set that culture right now.”
The Lady Flames are coming off of a 4-14 record in the 2013-2014 season, but sophomore Krista Good feels that this team is growing consistently and competing daily.
“Our goal is to grow together and constantly give our all during practice, in matches and off the court,” Good said. “We want to consistently improve and compete to the best of our ability every single day and every single match.”
Hynes said that he wants to make this tennis program national title contenders, but he knows that to be the best they have to have the right mindset of excellence.
“[To be contenders] you have to have the players, you have to have the right mindset,” Hynes said. “We talk about excellence with everything that they do, not just on the court, but in the weight room or in the classroom. High achievers are high achievers everywhere.”
Kahler said that he is excited for this team to continue to grow closer together and to battle as a brotherhood.
“I'm really excited for the team to grow closer together this season as we battle together and become more of a close-knit brotherhood,” Kahler said.
Hynes knows that in his first season coaching for Lee, the results might not be there in a tough conference like the Gulf South Conference, but Hynes is looking for the Flames to compete in every aspect of their game.
“We are not too worried about the results right now we're just looking for improvement,” Hynes said. “We're looking for improvement every day and bringing good attitude, effort and preparation to all our matches.”
Good said she knows that as long as the team competes every match and continues to improve, the team will have a great season.
“I'm excited for us to compete our hardest during every match,” Good said. “Every person on our team has improved so much and we are all still working on improving. Overall, I know it's going to be a great season with great teammates.”
