Tommie Tennis teams excel on and off the court

March 19, 2004
Tommies Tennis Serves Up Aces

By ROBERT SIMON

If you haven't noticed, the St. Thomas men's and women's tennis teams are making heads spin. This is because they're serving up aces-not only on the court.

For years, the Tommies have had superb success in the sport, perennially placing in the top three of the conference and each making the NCAA playoffs at least once. In addition to the athletic success, both teams have excelled in the classroom. Last year, both teams won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's Scholar-Athletic Teams Award, given annually to academically and athletically successful teams.

The Tommie men, who garnered second place in the 2003 MIAC standings, carried a 3.6729 grade-point average, The 2003 UST women were conference runners-up and made the NCAA regional championship while carrying a 3.535 gpa.

With a fast start on the court in 2004, and GPAs still high, the trend continues. The Tommies have been able to combine discipline, philosophy, and teamwork to achieve such a balance.

Where does this dual success come from? Many point to coach Terry Peck, who is in his 13th season with the men and 10th with the women. Peck, who deflects much of the credit to his players, does admit that he's "not a win-at-all costs coach." Also adding that he has a "real good perspective on the student athlete" and why they're here.

When Peck does point to the players he notes that it's their commitment that drives their success. Jodi Dmohoski, the only upperclassman on the roster, agrees. When asked what the toughest challenge is in balancing the two, she offers "just buckling down," and sometimes "choosing academics over athletics." This philosophy, demanding great discipline, also helps the players in the long run. "Tennis has helped me as it's kept me focused," Dmohoski says, when commenting on the distractions that college presents.

As much as the players' attitudes help, ultimately a lot falls onto the coaching staff. Coach Peck offers two or three practices a day, so all players can work around their schedule. Dmohoski adds that Peck "makes it very clear that academics come first." Peck feels that such a structure and philosophy makes it easier for younger players to develop, which is key on an inexperienced team.

What about their on-court success? Perhaps the recipe calls for one part disciplined, motivated athletes, one part strong coaching, and one part team camaraderie. Dmohoski attributes much of this year's early success to team-building activities, such as team dinners, or other outings together off the court. Although Peck doesn't demand this, he does encourage it. "Last year, some of our graduating seniors all took a trip to New York City to see a play. These are girls that were brought together by tennis. It's nice to see that."

With any sport, there still does remain some focus on the game. The Tommies are optimistic about their chances this year, as they've roared to a fantastic start. The women are 10-0, while the men have won five in a row after a season-opening loss to Division III St. Cloud State. Peck looks for Carleton and Gustavus, a traditional power, to be the Tommies' key roadblocks. When asked about their early success, the coach simply agrees that "we've been hot lately."

As the Tommies head to Hilton Head, S.C. March 20 for several spring-break matches, everyone wonders. If they've been this good while balancing classes, then what happens when they have a break? You can bet they'll still hold the advantage.