University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Tennis to Open 2010 Season at Furman on Tuesday
02.08.2010 | Women's Tennis
Head Coach Lise Gregory is excited about the potential of this year's club. The Bulldogs enjoyed a winning season in 2009 with a 12-9 record. Asheville returns most of its team from last year and added some key players that could make an impact for the Bulldogs right away.
Gregory was the Big South Coach of the Year last year for turning the Asheville program around so quickly. She believes the 2010 season could be even more exciting.
"We believe we can be even better this year," stated Gregory. "Our depth is incredible. We have a lot of similar players who can win. This will make us very flexible and makes everyone work just a little harder to get playing time.
"However, everyone on this team works hard," added Gregory. "They've all bought into their role and what their role might be on one particular day. This team is a joy to coach, and I really want them to have success this year.
"We could make a run at the top of the Big South," Gregory also said. "If we can stay healthy, then anything can happen."
The Bulldogs have four seniors on their roster with three of them bringing a great deal of experience to this year's club. Seniors' Louise Bottomley, Tania Mateva and Leslie Smith have been with Asheville for four years and gotten better with each season.
"All three returning seniors are easy to coach, and I feel fortunate to have coached them during their career," commented Gregory. "They'll be our leaders this year on and off the court."
The other senior is Sarah Brinkley who transfers into UNC Asheville from Western Carolina. She also played at MEAC power Florida A&M.
"Sarah will be with us for one year, and we will throw her into the line-up and see what happens," declared Gregory. "We're glad to have her this season."
Juniors' Nicole and Stephanie Schon have been consistent winners for the Bulldogs in their first two seasons.
"Stephanie and Nicole are great competitors who love to play," said Gregory. "They both work quite hard and should be key players for us once again this season."
Britney Cloer transfers into UNC Asheville from UNC Greensboro. The junior had a solid career for the Spartans and is from nearby West Henderson HS in Hendersonville.
"Britney is a local talent who we're pleased to have in our program," said Gregory. "We believe she'll be in the top half of our line-up."
Devon Cavanaugh is the lone sophomore on this year's club. She enjoyed a great deal of success for the Bulldogs in her rookie year, going 14-6 in singles play.
"Devon is very fast and very aggressive on the court," explained Gregory. "She is such a great competitor and always wants to improve and get better."
Freshmen Chelsea Hall and Jackie McGuirk will work hard for playing time this year.
"Chelsea and Jackie will both improve as they get more experience," said Gregory. "They both have a good feel for the game and will contribute this year."
