In the 2022-2023 season the UW-Whitewater men’s tennis team finished with a 17-6 record, with a perfect 3-0 conference record. Despite losing one of the Warhawks’ best ever tennis players, John Zakowski, the team has potential to have another successful season. The goal of the team will be to perform better in the NCAA regional and national tournaments, after an early exit at the hands of Gustavus Adolphus last season. Head Coach Frank Barnes shared his expectations for the team this upcoming season.
Q: What are your first impressions of the team, what are your expectations?
A: This is a team unlike any other that I have ever had, we have a ton of new guys. We have a couple of transfers from the division one level, and two great freshmen. All those new really talented players make it challenging for the returners, but everyone has a great attitude about making the team better. Everyone knows they might slide down a spot or two with all of the new players, but nobody is complaining about it, everyone is working hard. This could be one of the best teams we have ever had.
Q: What motivations do you think will carry over from last season?
A: We ended up losing our last match of the season last year against Gustavus Adolphus, a rival of ours. They are one of the top teams in the country and we had a really close match with them in the regular season that could’ve gone either way. They went on to make it to the final eight which is our goal this year, we think if we could’ve beat a team like that last year we certainly can this year. We also want to win the WIAC conference and then see if we can make it further than we have ever made it.
Q: Who are you really excited to see take a step up this year and have an impact on the team?
A: Luke Van Donslear was our two player last year behind one of the best guys we have ever had, John Zakowski. It’s Luke’s turn to step up, he is our captain and I see some good things in him. He is not necessarily going to be our number one since we have so many good players, but to have him at the top leading the team will make an impact this season.
Q: With so many new players on the team this season, will that pose any obstacles? How has the team meshed with the new players so far?
A: They have meshed great so far. When you have a lot of talented players that need to share playing time it is never easy, everyone wants to be a starter everytime. As long as they accept their role every week, it is going to allow all of our players to develop if we keep that attitude. This team is unique in the way they share those roles.
Barnes, Van Donslear and the rest of the Warhawk tennis team will have their work cut out for them this season, but they have the potential to be great with the transfers and talented new additions to the roster. The fall season kicked off with the UW-Whitewater invite on Sep. 8 and will finish with the ITA Cup Oct. 12 through Oct. 14. They will start back up again Jan. 27 against UW-Superior.
