Rams tennis looks to pick up 2011 NCAA tournament bid

First-year head coach John Martin has some experienced athletes to work with.

"Both teams look very strong to compete in the CIAA and the NCAA tournament," Martin said.

Martin is a native of Elkin, N.C. and a 2003 graduate of UNC Wilmington, where he played tennis.

He has put his stamp on the tennis program already, scheduling mandatory early morning workouts and conditioning.

"I feel like our team is in the best shape we've ever been in and that will definitely pay off in tough battles," said Sloan Holmes, a sophomore for the Lady Rams.  

On the men's side, Coxton and senior Maximilian Glodde look to lead their team to a CIAA championship for the first time. They will have help from top prospect freshman Nick John, who was a five-time state champion at Mt. Airy High School.

"Brian Coxton had a huge win at UNC-C outplaying an All-Conference opponent," Martin Said.

According to Martin, playing Division I teams looks good on your record when it comes to earning a NCAA division II tournament bid.

"We have the caliber to win. The players coming in are motivated and everyone has what it takes," Coxton said.

Coxton, a senior from Atlanta, is looking to accomplish his no. 1 goal, which is winning a team championship.

"Getting a ring would be a great achievement for the team and myself," Coxton said.

The Rams are looking for their freshmen to perform well. But the transition from high school tennis to college or university tennis can be difficult.

"The athletes are better physically and mentally than they are in high school," John said. "You have to adjust your game or you will get outplayed."

Some other freshmen standouts are Chris Jeter, Creighton Jones; and for the women, Dominique Lindsay. They will be playing in the top six of the lineup.

The Lady Rams will rely on their talented sophomores to lead them to victory. Sloane Holmes, Kayla Carter, Bianka Locklear and Kalin Jarvis."I feel like we really do have a dream team. There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't win the CIAA title and go on to see what damage we can do in the NCAA Championships," Holmes said.

"Mental toughness and inexperience are the two major weaknesses we have, as far as talent, potential and game it's all there."

The Rams are ranked 8th in the Atlantic Region, two spots behind conference foe Shaw University.

 Shaw has won the CIAA tennis championship six years in a row. Competing against Shaw will be important match for us, said Martin.