Tennis continues dynasty with fifth state title

Emma Carmichael Staff Writer

Five straight Liberty League titles. Five straight New York State Championships. NCAA team qualifiers four of the past five years. With stats like in these, it seems that Vassar College’s women’s tennis team has earned the right to be considered a dynasty.

“I don’t like to put those labels on ourselves,” said Head Coach Kathy Campbell. “But it is obvious with our records that we have been dominating the play. It’s a really special situation—this ‘five-peat’—because a group of players before [this team’s] time started it, and the seniors want to pass that torch on to the younger group. We look at it as the program, and not just this year’s or last year’s team.”

That said, the women’s tennis program has had such unparalleled success over the past five years that using the term “dynasty” to describe the team is almost unavoidable. After easily taking the Liberty League Championship on Oct. 8, the Brewers traveled to Ithaca, NY on Sunday, Oct. 22 to take on 14 other teams in the New York State Tournament. Vassar beat second-place University of Rochester’s 38 points and third-place New York University’s 30 points with a whopping 62 team points and also captured four singles titles and two doubles titles.

Co-captain Debbie Sharnak ’07 was crowned state champion in the first singles spot for the first time in Vassar history. Kelly Graham ’07 won the second singles flight for her fourth consecutive singles championship and third straight at the second spot—something few players in the state have accomplished. Nicole Pontee ’10 finished a 13-1 season by claiming the championship at third singles.

Four-year-starters Sharnak and her co-captain Anna Will ’07, who suffered a foot injury going into the tournament and had to relinquish her spot in the 6-0 third doubles team, were instrumental in maintaining the upbeat attitude that contributed to this year’s success.

“Our team takes a lot of pride in our positive team dynamic and in support amongst the players,” said Campbell. “[Sharnak and Will] prioritized that positive team dynamic as a very high component of our program. They also provided great leadership in terms of creating a balance of a support network and a high level of sportsmanship while continuing to be competitive as a team.”

“Of all the years I’ve been on the team this has been the one with the best attitude, the most cohesive unit,” said Will. “Everyone on the team is really dedicated to improving and performing well.”

Another factor in the team’s unmatched success was its-- depth throughout the lineup. “Nine out of our 10 players were returning players,” explained Campbell. “I’ve been here over 20 years and this is the most depth I can remember in that time.”

“We had a lot of returning starters from last year who weren’t even playing this year,” continued Sharnak. “And we’re leaving the team in good hands. We have seven returning players for next year.”

For now, though, the team’s focus is on its spring season. Sharnak and Will will begin holding captains’ practices this week, and the team will be training in the weight room on a regular basis. The Brewers’ ability to qualify for a fourth straight NCAA tournament will depend heavily on their performance this spring, so ample preparation is a must.

“The NCAA only takes 26 of 360 national teams in its tournament. That makes every match you play—including during the spring—so important,” said Campbell. “While [the tournament] is always one of our ultimate goals, as a coach I try to focus more on the process of improvement and success.”

But Campbell acknowledges that Vassar’s spring schedule includes some tough regional opponents, as well as a highly competitive tournament in California during spring break.

“In the spring, we’ll have our hands full with Wellesley (ranked sixth in region) in the Seven Sisters tournament and some other strong teams,” said Campbell. “And in California we play Emory, who has been ranked first in the nation for the past four years. Pomona and Cal-Lutheran will also be key matches.”

Will agreed that the spring schedule would likely be a true test for the team. “With the California schedule I think it’s the toughest spring break ever. We’ll play Emory in the first week of spring competition, so it will be really tough on everyone, both physically and mentally.”

Last year, Vassar finished the season ranked 26th out of 360 in the nation and seventh out of 110 in the Northeast. This year, the prospects look even better.

“In terms of being a very competitive team, both regionally and nationally, we’re right there,” said Campbell. “I feel very fortunate to be coaching such a supportive, hard-working group...Over the years, we’ve had great teams, comprised of great players and people.”

“This group really rises to the top of all that,” continued Campbell. “They have a good perspective of having fun and pushing each other. They just know how to compete.”

And compete they have, as the Vassar women’s tennis program is arguably one of the most dominant athletic teams in the school’s history. “Dynasty” might be a word they shy away from, but with five straight state championships and Liberty League titles they are a dynasty indeed.