Athlete of the Week | Mattelson a smash in men’s tennis

Elizabeth Pacheco Sports Editor

For the Vassar men’s tennis team, the spring season has brought along a welcome string of successes. Although the team is led by a series of veteran players, freshman Mike Mattelson has recently emerged as a viable threat, helping the team to post an impressive 9-3 spring record. Currently playing in the second singles position, as well as in the first doubles position with partner Ashish Patil ’08, Mattelson has a promising future as a Brewer athlete.

Mattelson began playing tennis when he was three years old with the encouragement of his parents, who both played the sport. By age 10 he was competing in tournaments and played on his high school’s varsity team, ending his senior season in the first singles position.

During this year’s fall season, Mattelson seemed off to a rocky start as he competed at the third singles and first doubles positions. While he came through with wins in the team’s dual matches against New York University and University of Rochester, tournament play, such as the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) New England Regional Championships, proved to be more difficult. In singles Mattelson advanced to the third round at the ITA Championships, but he then found himself matched up against last year’s winner and was defeated.

Not to be discouraged, Mattelson has picked up his game and is now winning almost all his matches. When the spring season began, Mattelson moved up to the second singles position and started off strong with two wins against Manhattanville College in February. For his efforts, Mattelson was named Liberty League’s Rookie of the Week on February 19 as well as on March 20 after his consistent wins in Hilton Head, N.C., where the team spent its spring break. On April 9 and April 17, the Liberty League also recognized Mattelson as a Performer of the Week for his wins in matches against Wesleyan University and Drew University, respectively.

Following the team’s return from Hilton Head, Mattelson continued performing well, with four solid wins against Wesleyan and Fordham Universities (a singles and doubles win at each match). Defeating Fordham was especially notable for the Brewers, since last season they fell to the Division I team 5-2.

Second-year Head Coach Ki Kroll has noted the importance of Mattelson’s hard work. “As a freshman and playing the second position on our team, Mike has been a huge asset,” said Kroll. “He brings a hard work ethic, professionalism, and always gives 100 percent.”

For Mattelson, the opportunity to participate in team’s success during his rookie season has been memorable. “This season has been incredible,” said Mattelson. “I’m so excited to be on a team that’s really getting good.” Mattelson currently has an overall singles record of 13-5 and a doubles record of 11-4 with Patil.

Looking to the future, Mattelson recognizes the team’s potential and believes that he and his teammates have the talent and desire necessary to win the Liberty League this year, and even compete in nationals in the coming years. He has set similar individual goals, as well.

“As ambitious as it may seem, I really want to make it to nationals during my Vassar career,” said Mattelson. The team, and Mattelson, will have the chance to achieve these goals when they compete in the Liberty League Championships next weekend.