2011 was the best season yet for the Republic Lady Tigers tennis team. But they’re looking to do even bigger things in 2012.
Coach Eric Hanson says he’ll have a lot of young players on this year’s team, but he’s happy with what he’s seen so far.
“In terms of the first week, we’ve had a better week than we’ve had in a long time,” Hanson says. “Great work ethic. They came out, they battled the heat. They fought through the boring repetition, so I’m happy. They worked hard, and that’s all you can ask as a coach, especially that first week out.”
Hanson says one reason the team has started practice so well is that players spent time working on their game over the summer, spending hours at the court to get ready. That includes Samantha Minor, a state qualifier who will anchor the team in the #1 role.
“She’s trying to cut down on mistakes, trying to add a few wrinkles to her game that she didn’t have last year,” he says. “A little different second serve, some different things off ground strokes, coming to the net a little bit more.
“She’s been real solid for us. She’s taken a lot of reps, her footwork is getting good. We’re happy with where she’s at.”
Other contributors will include Minor’s doubles partner, Meagan McCord, Michaela Moore, Danielle Hopkins, Rebecca Ledford, Ta’lor Sandul, Sierra Watts, and Ashley Cameron. Hanson says the 2-through-6 spots in the lineup are still wide open.
“There’s not a lot of separation between those positions, and that’s a good problem to have,” Hanson says. “Were replacing seasoned, experienced players with younger, newer players, so that’s always a big question mark for a team. But we’ve had some girls who worked hard over the summer, and so far, they look like they’re going to be able to fill those spots real well.
“We’ve had a number of players who’ve made huge gains since just last season,” Hanson says.
Last year’s success, and the experience of last season’s players, has already started to pay off for the program with more players on the team.
“We have nine brand new players to the team, and they’re all underclassmen, and I couldn’t be happier about that,” he says. “When you have a team that likes playing, that word spreads. That’s a positive word and I think that’s a great recruiting tool.”
Republic opens the season Thursday at home against Nixa.