If you thought the Wolfpack Athletics Department had enough sporting programs, guess again.

Loyola has added women’s tennis to the lineup for the first time in 14 years. The addition  of tennis gives the Athletics Department 11 sponsored sports.

According to Zubin Engineer, the newly seated head coach, Loyola reinstated the sport because of a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics regulation that says universities must have a certain number sports teams available for each gender.

“They were looking for one more women’s sport,” said Engineer.

About 30 women attended tryouts in September, and for the new team members, the opportunity to bring tennis back to the university does not go unappreciated. 

“It means a lot, because when people look back they are going to say that we brought the program back,” said Claire Landry, psychology junior. “We are the ones that built it back up.”

Engineer said the important factors in team selection were commitment to time and effort necessary to play tennis.

“It is a competitive sport, so I looked for players with good attitudes and a willingness to work,” said Engineer.

However, while enthusiasm was valued, experience was also necessary to join the tennis team.

“I’ve played (independently) my entire life, but high school was the first team I played on,” said Hannah Neal, accounting freshman. “It was a big transition between high school and college. College tennis is more serious.”

Loyola’s women’s tennis team practices at the Audubon Tennis Courts and the University Tennis Center of New Orleans. The emphasis of these practices is on focus.

“Practice is all about training with awareness,” said Engineer. “I get them to focus on what they are doing on each ball they hit.”

Neal said the training techniques require serious focus.

“The way the coach teaches is you really have to be present in what you are doing so you are never really thinking about anything else, except for what is happening at that moment,” said Neal.

Practice also includes technique training and personal fitness programs for the players.
Landry, the team’s captain, is a transfer student from Lipscomb University, where she was a two-time A-Sun, All-Academic recipient, posted 15 wins in singles and 12 wins in doubles.

“I want to be there for the girls,” said Landry. “I could be their mentor or role model if they have any problems or question about tennis.”

Because of this attitude, the women “work well with each other,” said Engineer.

“I’ve learned different things from the rest of the team like motivation and commitment,” said Neal. “It’s good to be motivated by… having (the rest of the team) there to help you stay focused.”

 Win or lose, Engineer said he is enthusiastic.

“I have a good group of girls. I’m happy with the work they are putting in, and I’m excited to see where this team can go,” Engineer said.

The women’s tennis team will play Xavier University in their first match at Tulane University on Sunday, Jan. 31.

Brittney Holmes can be reached at [email protected]