Few have had the start to a tennis season the way that Charlie Morgan has for UW-Whitewater. The freshman from Naperville, Illinois, has burst onto the scene for Whitewater, posting an impressive 10-1 record in single matches this season. On a team that already has a plethora of talent, Morgan has been a welcome sight for the No. 15 Warhawks.
“It’s rare for a freshman to get to start right away,” said head coach Frank Barnes, who has led the team to a 7-2 record this season. “He’s always working to improve his game, and I think just his attitude of doing whatever it takes for the team has been contagious.”
A three-star recruit coming out of high school, Morgan fielded multiple offers, some from Division I. After some deliberating, Morgan decided to follow in the footsteps of his brother, former Warhawk soccer player Will Morgan, and made the decision to come to Whitewater.
“I really just wanted to take my tennis to the next level and find a school that would allow me to grow,” Morgan said. “[Coach Barnes] was amazing, he really made me feel wanted and made me feel at home. It was just a fantastic visit, and that’s what made me choose Whitewater.”
After watching just a small part of a Warhawk tennis practice, it’s apparent that the team is connected and cares for each other.
“It’s so much fun to be a part of a team environment, especially competing, and I think the practices are very intense and everyone’s pushing you [to get better],” Morgan said.
Along with his 10-1 record in singles matches, with his only loss coming to Taona Mhwandagara of Gustavus Adolphus College, Morgan has a 6-2 record in doubles matches with his doubles partner, Will Ulrich. Additionally, he currently holds an 18.26 World Tennis Number, good for sixth best on the team.
Barnes added that Morgan’s greatest strength is his court coverage.
“It’s amazing what he gets to, it’s impossible to hit a winner against him,” Barnes said. “He’s not only quick, but his anticipation skills are uncanny.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the tennis season, Morgan is excited to compete.
“I really look forward to playing some of the better teams, especially CMS (Claremont-Mudd-Scripps) during spring break,” Morgan said. “I’m looking to take it one day at a time and save my best tennis for our big matches.”
Morgan and the Warhawk tennis team will be back in action March 23 on their spring trip in California, and will face No. 32 Chapman University in their first match
