Collin College recently hosted the first-ever Marty Berryman Invitational, kicking off the fall tennis schedule and giving players their first taste of the 2023-2024 tennis season. Coach Jamie Nanez reflected on the state of Collin Tennis a couple of weeks after the tournament in the lead-up to Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Regionals, Sept. 28-30.
How does everyone look coming back from summer?
Well, it is interesting you asked that. We only had four guys come back from last year – Seth Seely, Zebadiah Collins, Tyler Young, and Siddharth Desai. The rest are all new. On the women's side, Ekaterina Orlova is our sole returner. The main thing we focused on starting off this season is playing as a team and creating an environment of support. I think our talent level is where it needs to be. We just need to make sure we are all rowing in the same direction.
Did anyone surprise you in the tournament?
Off the top of my head, Jose Castillo. I knew he was really good at doubles, having won state at the Texas 6A level, but I don't think I knew how good. He is a promising player with tons of potential, as is the rest of our team. He just surprised me a bit with his competitive spirit and the game to back it up!
On the women's side, Gabriela Rodrigues has surprised me. She knew one of our players from last year. When you are recruiting internationally (or even outside of Dallas-Fort Worth), it is hard to go see these players play in person. She has come in and is definitely better than advertised. I think with the right mindset and some minor tactical changes she will have a great season.
Which new player are you expecting good things from this year?
I don't mean to be cliché, but the answer is our top players on the men's and women's teams. Minjae Kim came to Collin to play the best. I think he is definitely at the top of our lineup. We will see where he stands with the rest of the NJCAA during ITA Regionals.
Seth Seely played No. 1 for us last year. With him returning and being a leader on the team, you always have high hopes for that kind of person. Anastasia Kobidze, much like Minjae, came here to play with the best, and ITA regionals will test her. Ekaterina Orlova had a great freshman year. I am hoping she learned a lot from last year and can translate that over to this year.
How well prepared are our players for ITA Regionals at the end of this month?
I think they are ready to go from a mindset perspective. Each one of them is a competitor and obviously wants to compete. It is hard to know for sure because we have only really had three or four weeks of full practice before we get to ITA Regionals. During that time, most of them are acclimating to being on their own and going to school, so it is sometimes tough.
All-in-all, I think we are as ready as we can be, and I am excited to see them compete. Hopefully, we will have someone qualify for the ITA Cup in Rome, Georgia. All the regional winners will get a chance to compete in front of other small colleges. Division 2, Division 3, and NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) will all be at this tournament. It would be great exposure for our players and Collin if we can make it there.
Collin College will host the ITA Regionals from Sept. 28-30 at the Plano Campus tennis courts. ITA Regionals focus on individual players rather than team play. Admission to watch the tournament is free, and tennis fans are encouraged to attend to see some great collegiate action.