With the fall portion of the season coming to a close for Hamline’s Tennis Programs, the Pipers are looking to keep up their hard work and maintain their momentum as they work towards the spring section of the season.
Throughout the fall season, both teams played strong matches at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Midwest Regionals and at the Gusties Invitational, highlighting the skillful player potential on both rosters.
With the programs not having another match until February of next year, the Pipers will use the extra time to prepare for the spring season.
The idea of the fall is in preparation for the spring. It allows them to come back stronger and more confident, almost like a bear getting ready for winter.
Head coach Spencer Jones explained that the fall portion of the season is used to evaluate teams and develop lineups for the spring.
Currently, the Women’s team sits at 0–1 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and 1–2 overall, while the Men’s team sits at 0–0 in the MIAC and 0–2 overall.
Despite where each team sits currently, the Pipers have been an exceptionally exceptional team in reliance and unity. Junior Wyatt Crowell spotlighted how the team continues to stay competitive and connected even during the off-season.
“The team always tries to hang out on weekends and do something to keep spirits up,” Crowell said.
Coach Jones also highlighted the importance of team bonding and how it has contributed to each team's performances.
“We have had some terrific additions with first-year Pipers Wyatt Crowell, Max Gulliford, and Shayla Draper. Our entire Women's team excelled in singles at the ITA tournament as well, so we have some strong results to build on for the Spring,” Jones said via email.
This renewed energy has given the program a boost and positioned the Pipers to build on the fall progress as they look towards the spring. This is an amazing boost needed for this team, as the breath of new air has seemed to launch them into the level of competition.
Although the visible coordination with each other can be seen, what is not seen is the work put into honing the skills that will allow them to win.
In terms of the Women’s team, Draper has been phenomenal. Sher has pulled off incredibly nail-biting games, most notably at the ITA Midwest regionals, where in her last set, she went 8–7 matches to win the game. She is continuing her grind and keeping the competitive edge, but also being the breath of fresh air that this team needs.
“I try to keep things light, but I’m always locked in when it’s time to compete,” Draper said.
For the Men’s team, Crowell has continued to stay motivated after an impressive fall season, going 2–0 within the MIAC and winning his own ITA singles bracket. Following two surgeries, he has remained determined to continue this level of success, maintaining a consistent routine that includes a morning lift, individual practices, and tournaments.
“I do my own lifts and practices in the mornings, and then play tournaments individually,” Crowell said.
His dedication to his routine has not only created an amazing foundation for success, but has been a great example for his fellow teammates to strive for like-minded success.
The Tennis teams will continue this hard work and dedication throughout the cold months and will be quietly ramping up to compete in the spring.
“The play is simply for their focus,” Jones said via email.
“We’[ll] continue to train throughout October and November to stay fresh and keep [to] improve,” Jones said via email.
As the Pipers continue to push through these cold months, there is no doubt that they will continue to be as competitive as they proved this fall.
