Ball Bouncing in favor of tennis

by Dustin Looney
Courier Staff

Near the conclusions of my interview with Greg Stacey, the women's tennis coach at Monmouth College , a tennis ball struck my back.

“Ow,” I reacted.

“Don't worry, the pain won't last long,” Coach Stacey told me.

Coach Stacey is entering his first season as Monmouth's tennis coach and although the Scots had a record of 1-10 last year, like my back, the pain won't last long, for they seem to be pointed in the right direction.

Stacey played tennis at Mississippi State , where he was a student. After college, he began his tennis career, playing in satellite tournaments, a professional level of tennis. During his career, he played a number of competitive players, including Bjorn Borg, who won five major tournaments from 1974 to 1981.

In 1982 Coach Stacey started teaching the game that he loves to young players in St. Louis . He eventually made his way to Galesburg and coached the men's tennis team at Galesburg High School . When the Monmouth College women's coaching job opened up Stacey was offered the job. He said he didn't hesitate to take the position, because he liked MC's commitment to the program. In addition to the new tennis facilities, Monmouth wanted to excel and to build its program.

Coach Stacey is excited to continue his first season as Monmouth's women's tennis coach. In an early season tournament with seven teams, the Fighting Scots won 28 of 32 singles matches. In another six team tournament, they finished 2nd in terms of total points. Although they lost to Ambrose and Lawrence, the Scots were just a couple games from winning both competitions. Stacey says they hope to be competitive this season, and their goal is to make the conference championship.

“This year is different; we have better drills and we are all friends on the team. It makes it easier and more fun to come to practice,” says sophomore Shauna Skowronski.

The Monmouth College women's tennis team played their first home meet at 2p.m. Monday, Sept. 5 against Lawrence University .

Loosing to Lawrence , with only three matches won, new coach Greg Stacey said, “The team is working hard and getting better every match.”

Four freshmen have joined the team this year, two of which have worked their way into the top six and include: Freshman Brittany Donnelly ( Metamora , IL /Metamora) and Cassandra Frantz ( Macomb , L/ Macomb ), who had demonstrated dedication and talent throughout their matches against Lawrence University .

In addition, Cassandra Frantz (MC) defeated Serene Sahar (LU), 4-6, 6-4, and 10-6.

Back on court were two MVstar players, ophomore Shauna Skowronski (Peoria, IL/ Notre Dame) and junior Sara Yerks (Aurora, IL/ Waubonsie Valley), who provided powerful shots.

Coach Stacey is entering his first season as Monmouth's tennis coach and although the Scots had a record of 1-10 last year, like my back, the pain won't last long, for they seem to be pointed in the right direction.

Stacey played tennis at Mississippi State , where he was a student. After college, he began his tennis career, playing in satellite tournaments, a professional level of tennis. During his career, he played a number of competitive players, including Bjorn Borg, who won five major tournaments from 1974 to 1981.

Skowronski is the number one singles and doubles player on the team. The team has a total of 10 players with four contributing freshmen. Coach Stacey plans on recruiting more in the future, and wants to expand his total roster in the next few years. Right now, all the players are working hard and they are improving every day.

On Wednesday, Sept. 21, the team will host rival Knox College . The coach says they are looking forward to beating Knox, and need support in doing so. The match starts at 3:30 p.m.