SAC Student-Athlete Insider: Men’s Tennis

With the men's tennis season approaching quickly, SAC student-athletes share their thoughts on the upcoming year.

What most excites you about the upcoming season?

Matthew Nicholson, Catawba: "Last season our team lost several matches 5-4, the majority of them we travelled away for. I think having these matches at home this year could be very interesting and challenging."

Zach High, Mars Hill: "The most exciting thing to me about this upcoming season is to find out how our new players and returning players can mesh together as a team in hopes of competing for the SAC title."

What was the most challenging aspect of your offseason preparations, and how will that benefit you once the season gets underway?

Zach High, Mars Hill: "At Mars Hill we encountered some challenges this offseason. I believe that having to come together as a team to get through this rough time has made us a much closer team and nothing we will face in the game of tennis can compare to what we have already been through, so it really helps us keep things in perspective."

What are the keys for your team to achieve its goals this season?

Matthew Nicholson, Catawba: "I would say that for our team to achieve its goals this season everyone should continue to have team spirit, and consider not just themselves but the rest of the team."

Zach High, Mars Hill: "In order for us to accomplish our goals this season we need to work hard to improve everyday and we must stick together as a team. If we do that and continue to buy in to everything our coach has for us we can achieve all of our goals."

In what ways do you try to serve as a leader on your team and on your campus?

Matthew Nicholson, Catawba: "I think that I am a big team player and believe that unity means a lot to the sport. As an athlete I think that support is always greatly appreciated, and I therefore try to attend as many of the college events as possible."

Zach High, Mars Hill: "I try to be a leader on my team, as well as on campus, both vocally and by example. It is important to say all the right things and keep everyone on the same page, but if you aren't leading by example then you lose all of your credibility."

What comes to mind when you think of the level of competition and the overall experience of being a student-athlete in the South Atlantic Conference?

Matthew Nicholson, Catawba: "I would say that the level of competition here in the south is very high and with that there have been some very competitive rivalries that have been formed."

Zach High, Mars Hill: "I feel that my time as a student-athlete in the South Atlantic Conference will be one of the greatest experiences of my life. Having the opportunity to compete as a college athlete is one that very few people get to experience, and I do not want to take it for granted. As for the level of competition within the SAC, I believe that this year there is no clear cut favorite to win the conference championship, and there are a number of teams that are very even. This should mean a very interesting and intense conference tennis season, and I personally cannot wait for it to get underway."