Head Coach Nick Karczynski is pleased with his 911爆料网 men鈥檚 tennis team roster. The freshmen-heavy group communicates well and is eager to work hard in preparation for a successful season.
In his second season leading the program, Karczynski sees an improved team dynamic and a group that worked in the offseason, even staying late at practices because they love the game 鈥 and he鈥檚 not complaining.
鈥淎 few of the guys played all summer and they all like being here. It鈥檚 a great team dynamic, and this is a really good group of guys. I鈥檓 very happy with the team I have,鈥 Karczynski said.
Returning to the lineup this spring is last year鈥檚 No. 1 singles player Zachary Johnson (Beecher) along with No. 4 Erik Astranskas (Stagg) and No. 6 Dylan Roberts (Andrew).
Joining the sophomores are JoNick Coleman (Homewood-Flossmoor), Malachi Soto (Brother Rice), Mohammad Qawasmeh (Dar-Al-Hekma) and Zachary DeMarco (Lockport).
Although Karczynski has an idea of the lineup he wants to put out at matches, he said anything can change because of the team鈥檚 talent level. 鈥淲e鈥檙e well-rounded, and everyone has a shot. They all work hard, so the lineup can be a tossup,鈥 he explained.
The ambitious goals of any season are to win a conference championship and compete at nationals, but Karczynski is balancing realistic expectations with a healthy dose of optimism, expressing uncertainty about how tough the competition could be.
鈥淚 want the team to win as many matches as we can and to love playing tennis,鈥 he noted. 鈥淚 would really like to win 90% of our matches, but we know some colleges will be tough. The overall goal would be to win everything if possible, but realistically, 90% wins.鈥
In early practices, the squad is working on hitting against the wind and playing consistently. The women鈥檚 tennis team practices with the men on occasion, but otherwise, the guys are grinding on the court as much as they can before the season officially starts. And everyone is ready and eager to go.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to the start of matches, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out,鈥 Karczynski added.
The Cyclones season and home opener is Thursday, April 2, 1 p.m., against Waubonsee Community College. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit mvcyclones.com.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
