After a year full of big accomplishments, 911爆料网 women鈥檚 tennis is eager for newcomers to help them achieve additional success this season.
Joining the team鈥檚 new faces is Head Coach Simona Tomczak, an alumna who took over the program in late spring to lead the squad at the national tournament. Since then, she has built a crew with a culture of strength and cohesion.
鈥淢y goals are to emphasize discipline and team unity on and off the court as well as foster leadership qualities among players,鈥 Tomczak explained. 鈥淚 like to focus on doubles strategy and conditioning.鈥
Returning from last year鈥檚 Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference and NJCAA Region 4 championship team is sophomore Zaina Daghash (Lockport), who earned conference and region singles and doubles championships. Joining her are freshmen Aileen Casey (Lockport), Merietta Farraj (Stagg), Tamera Farraj (Stagg), Eliza Janik (Oak Lawn), Sydney Rutkowski (Lincoln-Way West) and Joile Sullivan (Hillcrest).
鈥淚鈥檓 especially excited about the return of Zaina this season. She鈥檚 been showing great dedication, consistently showing up and working hard in training. I have high hopes for her growth this year,鈥 Tomczak noted.
One of Tomczak鈥檚 key focuses this season will be footwork, which she believes is a fundamental part of tennis. In addition, she will encourage the athletes to run outside of practice to build better stamina for matches.
Tomczak hopes to lead her team to the same triumphs she experienced when she was a Cyclone a few years ago.
鈥淥verall, I鈥檓 really looking forward to the season, not just for the competition but also for the fun we鈥檙e going to have as a team, especially with our new players,鈥 she said.
The Cyclones season opener is at home against Illinois Valley Community College on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 3:30 p.m. For updates on Cyclones Athletics, visit .
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
