Women’s Tennis Schedule Moves from Fall to Spring

By Jalen Gaynor | Published by December 5, 2021

The women’s tennis team is undergoing new changes. After years of playing during the fall semester, Kean’s women’s tennis is now transitioning to a spring schedule.

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“Many universities had tennis as a spring sport so now the NJAC conference offers it as a spring sport,” Head Coach Jodi Valenti said.

  The NJAC for tennis consists of six universities besides Kean, which includes Rutgers-Camden, Stockton, NJCU, TCNJ, Ramapo, and William Paterson.

Covid had a major impact on the Cougar’s team, both this season and the past one. Games were canceled and athletes even opted out due to the pandemic and subsequent protocols. The team was looking forward to playing two matches in Boston before the season was stopped.

“We were fortunate to get the student-athletes back on the court last spring. It was a little challenging with some athletes opting out last spring so roster numbers were lower but most came back this fall season,” Valenti said.

The Cougars play the first of their final six games next year on March 18 against Penn State Abbington. This is a pretty significant intermission and it is important for the team to remain disciplined so that they are prepared for when play resumes.

“The players right now, being that the fall season ended last week, will continue to train and workout. Hopefully, they will continue to hit possibly indoors throughout the winter before the spring season starts back up again,” Valenti said.

Coach Valenti trusts that her whole team will step up and motivate each other throughout this time. The squad consists of several talented seniors and juniors that the underclassmen look up to as well. Valenti will not put any pressure on anyone in particular to lead the team.

“Everyone on the team is an important asset and plays an important role. My captains lead the team and they are juniors, seniors, and sophomores,” Valenti said.

The team finished playing this fall with a record of 1-3. They fought hard and competed in every game. Valenti made sure to let her team know throughout the season that each of them is talented and can get even better if they continue to work hard.

“The team played tough against Brooklyn and fought hard which led to the victory. We started out with doubles wins which kept the players motivated to do well in their singles matches. They kept a positive mindset and stayed consistent while playing. The remaining matches we lost this fall were very close matches,” Valenti said.

Coach Valenti sees this intermission in the season as an opportunity for the team to improve and get better in many aspects including hitting and fitness. She has informed them that this is an important time and encouraged them to practice as much as they can in their free time.

“Playing tennis and practicing all year round helps make you a better overall player. I always tell my players they need to put in the work and continue to hit and play different types of players so they can continue to get better and become as consistent as possible,” Valenti said.

The goals coach Valenti has set for the remainder of the season mostly pertain to the athletes having fun and playing their best every match. With many seniors on the team, it is important to her and the rest of the team that they have a memorable final season as a part of Kean tennis.

“We want the seniors to enjoy their last season here at Kean and want them to put forth their best effort both on and off the court,” Valenti said. “We want the players to have a season to remember. Each year Kean Tennis gets better and better and we want to keep that going.”

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