(Photo courtesy of Paige Bily)

SAU Women’s tennis is hoping for a warm and successful season for the 2023-2024 year. Head coach Jim Kiss officially took the position in July 2023 and is in his first year of coaching.

With a roster of 16 girls, the team holds much talent. During Saint Ambrose’s spring break, the team had an exciting trip. 

In terms of the spring season as a whole, SAU women’s tennis is ready for action. 

Junior Megan McConnaughy mentions, “I hope that we make a comeback compared to the fall season and get some games under our belt for our team.”

Coach Jim Kiss says, “Our goal is to simply get better every practice or match. We also hope to qualify for the conference tournament.”

While spring is the main season for tennis, they have been competing all year long. 

To recap the fall season for the bees, they had an overall record of 1-7 with one win at home. Even though the team’s record did not show positive results, coaches and players say it does not mean the team is lacking potential.

Coach Kiss says he was able to see what needed to be improved to prepare for the spring season and he has put his all into preparing for success.

For practices, Coach Kiss says, “We have been practicing since February 6th, 4-5 times a week at the Quad City Tennis Club. Our normal routine is going through warmups and then setting up stations on three different courts. We are looking much better already than we were in the fall season.”

McConnaughy adds, “We usually start with running and stretches. We then focus on hitting with a partner and then move into drills.” 

Another teammate, Sarah Baxter says, “We do not do a lot of preparation as a team, but we are always offered court times and are encouraged to go hit as much as possible.”

While Coach Kiss agreed to coaching women’s tennis, he also stepped in to support the men’s basketball team. While Coach Ray was unable to coach his team, Jim Kiss stepped in for the players. He truly was showing his loyalty to Saint Ambrose University by giving his time to help others. 

“It was a bit stressful coaching men’s basketball and both of our tennis teams but the players have been understanding of a difficult situation. Long days and nights for sure, but our assistant coach Dave Moore has done a great job with the ladies as well,” says Kiss.

Baxter says, “We did have some trouble finding times that fit each student’s schedule, but we were aware of the circumstances that our coach was in. Because of this we did work on communicating as a team which was beneficial for our team.”

McConnaughay adds, “While coach Kiss supported another SAU team, Coach Dave has been there a majority of the time and has been a great support system for our team. In regard to coaching, technique, and support, Dave has been a saint for us all.”

McConnaughy brings up the topic of team chemistry and how it has played a role.  

As a junior athlete who has played for two years, “We have had great bonding with the team. I enjoy going to practice and making new friends through the team. We go to team dinners or we bond during away games. I really do love the team,” McConnaughy says.

In Coach Kiss’s opinion, “All of the ladies are really positive, work hard, and all get along. The freshmen have blended in well with the returning players.”

Baxter sees her team as “hard working and respectful women and we have all become good friends, but more importantly, good teammates.”

Over spring break, the team traveled to Hilton Head, SC to participate in Spring Tennis Fest. This was a big competition for Saint Ambrose to compete in.

Coach Kiss says, “We played three really good matches against teams from all over the country and we are hopeful that we can win all three matches while we are there.”

“We are excited to play our best and win as many matches as we can. Supporting each other and winning as a team is very important to us,” adds Baxter.

SAU won one of three matches on their trip, bringing their spring season record to three wins and three losses.

The SAU women’s tennis team is hopeful for a successful season. The team has a great relationship and hopes to secure some wins for the SAU Bees.

To see the SAU women’s game schedule, visit 2023-24 Women’s Tennis Schedule – St. Ambrose University (saubees.com)