Winston-Salem State’s tennis head coach Charles Schoderbek has the men’s and women’s tennis teams gearing up for a new season this February.
Both teams, are still finding their way in the transitional stage from Division II to Division I.
“We still have to approach this season as underdogs, in the fact that we are still in our transition period,” Schoderbek said.
“But I do expect to have some individual wins, especially on the men’s side I expect quite a few of those, and some team wins,” he said.
“We’re not as strong on the women top to bottom in the lineup as we are in the men’s. Top to bottom score wise, the men are stronger than the women are.”
Some of the strength in the lineup for the men’s team are returners Brian Coxton and Ian Hunter, who led last season with three single match victories.
The men’s team sole victory came mid-season over Guilford College last year, and Schoderbek hopes it will serve as a platform for growth this time around.
“I think we were better prepared mentally to play,” Schoderbek said of the win.
“I think they approached that match with the right frame of mind.
“I think the players were looking forward to this match, and that played into our favor.
“We had a pretty good match up, and it was good for us.”
In January, Joab Odera was also added to the lineup, and his participation should bring more power.
But Odera’s status is on hold until he is cleared by the NCAA.
“That is something we’re working through right now,” Schoderbek said.
“I’m hoping he [Odera] will move up in the lineup. I think in the long run, he’s going to be a very good player for us.”
The women will plan to build off their wins over Salem College and Savannah State University last season, with the arrival of newcomers Ashleigh Williams and Dashawa Gibson.
Veteran Johanna Nunez returns as the women’s leader with three single victories last season.
“Serving wise, we have several people who have very adequate serves for our level,” Schoderbek said.
“We are improving on that with some people.
“Other parts of our game have improved.
“I think one of our main strengths would possibly be our ground stroke game.
“We’re not going to ace people on serves as much, but we’re going to score more points with ground strokes.
“The serves are going to get the points started.”
Both squads are comprised of players who are all right-handed, and even though Coach Schoderbek says that it might hurt when playing against left hand competition.
Other areas of growth push his optimism.
“What I’ve seen improvement on is level of commitment,” Schoderbek said.
“I’ve seen determination more in some players.
“I’ve seen skill level increase in some players, men and women both.”
Both teams home openers begin Sunday, Feb. 15 with double headers against the Central Eagles of Durham at 9 a.m. and Catawba at noon.
Home games are played at the WSSU Tennis Complex located by the Anderson Center.