After a period of growth and improvement under former Director of Tennis Eduardo Rincon, the Kennesaw State men’s and women’s volleyball teams are beginning a new era under Matt Emery.
With major roster changes from last year for both teams, individual progress made during fall tournaments is vital for the team tournament season during the spring.
The most recent tournament for the teams was the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Southeast Regional Tournament, played from Friday, Oct. 21 through Oct. 23. The University of Georgia hosted the men’s tournament, while the women were hosted by Georgia Tech.
Team veteran Lucas de Torres Curth teamed up with freshman Harvey Maughan to win a doubles match 8-3 on Saturday, while Maughan also won a singles match.
On Sunday, last season’s Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year Fermin Calvo Barcelo won a round of 16 match in three tight sets, continuing his quality performances from last year.
Although the women did not have an individual winner at the ITA event, they have had success earlier this season. On Oct. 14, the doubles duo of Jessica Cantrell and Brenna Reilly won the main draw of the Georgia Southern Shootout.
The progress the team will make this season depends on the relationship between the new faces on the team, veterans and the new coaching staff. Emery has taken this challenge on by choosing two experienced individuals who will assist him.
Former KSU tennis star Simon Pritchard is now serving in a coaching role this season, giving Emery a person that has a thorough understanding of the tennis program and the teams that they regularly play.
As a four-year captain for the Owls and their all-time leader in singles and doubles victories, Pritchard is not only capable of helping the team from a technical perspective but is also someone who can help bring a sense of identity to the team.
Joining Pritchard as an assistant is Kirsten Lewis, who, as an assistant, led Western Kentucky to a conference title last year. Lewis was also a team captain during her collegiate career at Kentucky.
“I’m incredibly excited to have Kirsten and Simon join our coaching staff,” Emery said. “My hope is that their work ethic, dedication to being a complete student-athlete and passion for KSU Tennis will rub off on our players.”
The women’s team will be the next to play, traveling to the University of Alabama to play at the Roberta Alison Invite from Oct. 26 to Oct. 28, while the men next play at a tournament hosted by Wake Forest University from Nov. 9 to Nov. 11.
