Monday, December 28, 2009

Fall 2010 Tournament

The ITA has selected us to host the Fall 2010 Regional ITA tournament. Our men have done a terrific job hosting this event on campus and this year the women are taking a turn at bringing in the best players from the Northwest Conference to compete in singles and doubles.

We have had great success during my two years as head coach in this tournament, this year with 3 of the final 16 singles players, one quarter finalist and a doubles semifinalist. In 2008 we swept singles and doubles to gain All-American status and compete at the national small college championships in Mobile, Alabama.

It will be exciting and fun to have the tournament on our courts, I can't wait!
Coach Hein

Monday, November 9, 2009

Whitman Recieves Community Tennis Grant



In an endeavor to both give back to our community in a way that shares the game we all love, our team has scheduled our first round of Quickstart tennis at Sharpstein Elementary school. By using modified (Quickstart) tennis equipment we can introduce the game to entire classes of children. Doing it during school PE time ensures that no child, regardless of background, misses out on this opportunity to not only learn the sport of a lifetime but also to interact with the wonderful and talented group of student athletes we have on our team.

The program at Sharpstein provides each second grade class four 45 minute sessions and will take place between Nov 30th and Dec 11th, 2009.

Quickstart tennis, uses shorter rackets, lighter, bigger balls, and a small court that can be set up with a portable net and court markers in any gym, multipurpose room or playground.

To purchase this equipment for the use of ALL schools in the Walla Walla area, the USTA has awarded Whitman a grant of $700. As a follow up to this great community service, both Men's and Women's tennis at Whitman will continue to work with the City of Walla Walla and other local tennis partners to provide more instructional and competitive opportunities for our local youth.

The immediate follow up is our annual Women's Tennis Winter after school fundraising camp running this January 11-15th (email womenstennis@whitman.edu for info). Last years camp was a hit and we hope to have even more fun after introducing the game to EVERY second grade student at Sharpstein.

Stay tuned for photos and updates on the great work these young women are doing both on and off court and have a wonderful start to your holiday season with Thanksgiving right around the corner.

Best regards,
Coach Hein and the Whitman Women's tennis team

Monday, October 12, 2009

More than meets the eye - Elise Otto and Flow Inflation

This post is to recognize another academic achievement by a Whitman tennis player. You may know Elise Otto for becoming the first singles All-American at Whitman since 1988, for being a two time all NWC selection, for being named Whitman's most outstanding performer as a sophomore. But to those of us in Walla Walla, Twitchy is so much more than a tennis player.

I could list the multiple activities and accomplishments she has off the court, but I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that after a summer doing field and lab research this year, Elise is presenting that research at the annual Geological Society of America this weekend in Portland, OR. Her work involved going out into the summer heat in Eastern Washignton to collect samples which then had to be taken back to the lab for chemical analysis followed by statistics. She really got to know microsoft excel this summer and here is her abstract which you can find at
http://gsa.confex.com/gsa/2009AM/finalprogram/abstract_165041.htm

Great work Elise!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Final Fall ITA wrapup




With only one match to recap, I'll start there and move to the important stuff after.

Our doubles semi was a great test against two extremely talented Willamette players and after trading leads and breaks early, we were up 4-3 before a turn in momentum saw us trailing 6-4. At this point, Div and Alyssa held there composure and played a tremendous game to break serve. We came out firing on Div's service game going up 40-15 and from that point on the level of tennis from both teams was very good, but Willamette definitely stepped up to earn the break and hold to finish the match 8-5. As a coach you always want to see the opposition earn a victory, which is what we made them do. At the same time, this early in the season I was sooooooooooo impressed with the potential of these two players in doubles. From last year, I knew that Div has a great all around game and is a force at the net, but this weekend she showed more variety than I saw all last year proving that even players who are already great and experienced can put a smile on their coaches face with their ability to improve. Alyssa has been working on her doubles very hard and in this match she displayed every tool a great doubles player needs and I can't wait to see her use them all consistently.

The big news from the weekend is that in all my years of tennis as a player and coach I have never had so much fun with a team. I'm glad we have been doing so much core strengthening, otherwise we might have a training room full of players with strained abdomens from laughing so hard for so long.

I must also thank again everyone who supported us so well at the tournament and through your distance support. When student athletes work so hard it means a lot for them to know people care about their efforts, so thank from all of us!

Best wishes for a wonderful fall,

John

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Day 2 at the Fall ITA

Hello again,

With the consolation canceled due to rain, we began the day with three singles players and two teams left. Everyone played with tremendous effort and skill. Our two seniors both dropped competitive two set matches to seeded players. Hadley was right with Shannon Palmer from Willamette showing her improved movement and ability to build points. After dropping a lopsided first set to #2 seeded Sallie Katter from Linfield, Div remained calm and dug in for a second set battle that saw her up a break before being broken back late and losing a well played tiebreak.

Also in the round of 16, Alyssa took on one of the toughest unseeded players, Alli Marshall who played #2 for defending conference champion Whitworth last year. In a match that showcased Alyssa's terrific offensive baseline game she came away victorious, setting up a clash with top seeded Rachel Burns of Whitworth. Like Hadley and Div, Alyssa battled well and dominated in spells but overall Rachel proved too tough with her steady game and amazing court coverage winning in two close sets.

In doubles, Hadley and Emily suffered from a slow start and a hot Linfield team losing 8-2 in the quarters, though towards the end of the match they displayed their individual and team improvements. Alyssa and Div shook off a slow start themselves to put away a feisty Willamette team setting up a quarterfinal clash with last years finalists and #2 seeded Cat Goya and Megan Yoshimoto of Pacific. I'm not sure I've ever seen such a combination of great doubles and unbridled laughter from 4 players on the court at the same time. In the true spirit of enjoying the game and competition, both teams fought hard to gain the net and pressure the other. It was great to see Div and Alyssa play both good offense and defense as a team as they pulled ahead and won 8-5. This match mimicked the trip we have had so far with great tennis balanced by some of the most fun I've had with any of the tennis teams I've ever been involved with. I only wish I had a good enough command of the English language to explain how fun this team is.

Monday's singles semifinals and finals will be played at Linfield College followed by Div and Alyssa vs. Willamette's top team in the semi's with the finals to follow.

Thanks to the Rolstons, Kaurs, Olsons and Ly's for cheering us on so far and also to those of you who have called/texted or emailed us, the team appreciates all your support.

Best,
Coach

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Saturday Update from the Fall ITA

Here is today's update after a wonderful day of tennis. The weather stayed clear, but our thankfully decisive hosts who have run a great event so far made the early call to start indoors in Salem, OR.

The day began with Lauren getting a wake up call as she was entered into the singles draw to replace a sick player. She fought well in her first college match but fell to an experienced Lisa Harunaga from LC. Zoe played brilliant tennis to go up 3-0 on PLU's Ali Burnside before falling in straight sets. Her game has come so far and has plenty of potential to keep going. Charlotte had a tough match and after coming out strong, split sets with Whitworth's Janelle Talbot who took the match tie break for the third. Playing outdoors at Willamette, Amanda fought bravely but couldn't overcome a very tough Erica Bosman from Whitworth. Also outside was the heartbreak of the day as Emily owned last year's #1 player from George Fox for half a set before losing the first, she then re-asserted herself to dominate the second only to lose a close match tie break. Each match was a terrific display of the progress we've already made in this young season and I am thrilled to coach each of these players.

Our only singles player to split matches was an impressive Kate K-P, who won her first round riding a much improved first serve and her signature penetrating groundgame. She then battled #8 seed Mya Towne from Whitworth losing 6-2,6-2 with both sets being very competitive and terrific to watch as two speedy baseliners battled it out mixing consistency with opportunistic offense.

Two themes of the day were 1. Whitworth and 2. Match tie breaks. Hadley won her first match indoors then outside dropped her first set 4-6 to Whitworth's Katie Staudinger before storming through the second set only to find herself down 7-3 then 8-5 in the mtb before stringing together 5 beautiful points full of patience, confidence and terrific finishes to win 10-8. Alyssa Roberg shook off a nervous start to cruise 6-2,6-0 in round one and then she moved on to the round of 16 with a 6-2,6-3 win. Div was similar in her efficiency winning 6-0, 6-2 then 6-4, 6-0.

Doubles were awesome with Dena and Lauren hanging through most of a proset before getting edged by UPS's top team. There is a lot of good tennis ahead for both of these freshmen. Charlotte and Kate teamed up against a Willamette team and had trouble finding consistency, but showed that they too could be a formidable duo dropping their match 7-9.

The teams of Alyssa/Div and Hadley/Emily both cruised past Pacific teams to earn places in the round of 16 tomorrow.

Sunday's play will begin with singles round of 16 indoors in Salem at 8:30 with the quarters to follow and then two rounds of doubles in the afternoon.

The effort, teamwork and enjoyment was amazing today and we're looking to stay strong tomorrow.

John

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Wilson/Fall ITA Regional Draws Released - click here for draws; link should work from blog if not directly from email

Whitman is bringing a full contingent of 10 players to the Fall regional championships.

The 64 draw of singles has 8 Whitties playing 2 out of 3 sets with a match tie break for the 3rd up to the semifinals. First year Whittie Alyssa Roberg was awarded the #5 seed and Hadley, Div, Emily, Amanda, Charlotte, Kate and Zoe will also compete in singles, which has an opt in first round consolation draw.

The 32 draw of doubles includes 4 Whittie teams playing 8 game pro-sets. The team of Div and Alyssa was grouped in the 5-8 seeds, while Em and Had look to build on their terrific play and chemistry from last season. Charlotte and Amanda will battle a talented Willamette team in the first round while first year teammates Dena and Lauren take on the top team from UPS. Unfortunately, there is no consolation draw for doubles planned.

The tournament host in Linfield College, but it has been decided that Saturday's play will begin at 8am in Salem, OR using indoor courts at both Courthouse and Salem Swim and Tennis and outdoor courts at Willamette (if dry). Hopefully, Sunday and Monday are dry and the tournament will conclude in McMinnville at Linfield and the nearby Cowls St. courts.

We are staying in Salem and I'll send another update when match times come my way as well as posting twitter score updates on the blog during the tournament (a wonderful idea that I must credit Whitman Coach Jeff N. with).

-John

Monday, September 28, 2009

Follow the Leader

Hello Whitman Tennis enthusiasts!

It has been a gorgeous weekend of wonderful tennis on campus here at Whitman with the men's team hosting their Wilson/ITA Fall regional tournament. Ours is hosted by Linfield with Salem as the indoor backup site in case of rain and starts this Saturday running through Monday.

Our men's team did a wonderful job setting the tone for fall tennis here with some amazing stories that you can read about at http://whitmantennis.blogspot.com. Matt Solomon returned from a semester at Boise State to win his 3rd straight singles title beating Whittie freshman and doubles partner Jeff Tolman in the finals.

With the men being so dominant and following last season's singles and doubles wins from our team, the expectations could be high, but all I see at practice is pure excitement for tennis. We have a terrific group of individuals who are really coming together as a team so I know we will play hard and have a ton of fun next week.

As soon as the draws and seedings come out, I'll keep you updated.

Best wishes from sunny Walla Walla,

John

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A new season of WC Tennis



Fall has arrived in Walla Walla and today we hit the courts for our first team practice. It is excruciating as a coach waiting for everyone to get settled with classes before kicking off team practice. The good news is that the team comes in fairly fit and excited and we have a few weeks to prepare for the Fall ITA tournament at Linfield Oct 3rd-5th where we will defend our singles and doubles titles without either player who won those.

One of those players, doubles All-American, Katie Oost has hopped the fence and is now enjoying the power of being our assistant coach. Elise Otto, as a junior, is spending the fall abroad as so many Whitties do.

Our incoming class includes two Californians, Alyssa Roberg from Santa Cruz and Danielle Broida from Santa Barbara. Both players bring a lot of talent and excitement to the team.

From Wisconsin, we have Dena Wessel, whose footspeed and ability to punish short balls will be as much of an asset as her amazing personality (and spf 70 sunblock).

Finally, we have two Washingtonians (is that right?); Lauren Olson from Seattle and Kate Kunkel Patterson from Yakima. Each has a sibling who plays a sport at Whitman (Kate is the 3rd K-P to play for the women's team at Whitman!). Each is both athletic and mentally tough and I can't wait to see more tennis from them after they had successful high school campaigns.

Hopefully, we'll get around to getting some bio's of everyone up on the team website soon.

Best regards from sunny Walla Walla,
Coach Hein

Monday, August 10, 2009

Going Green at the Bratton Tennis Center



It is so cool to see Whitman continuing to strive towards environmental stewardship. We have already been recognized for our use of wind power from turbines in the hills surrounding Walla Walla and now our very own indoor courts are home to a huge array of solar panels!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

More Academic Kudos

As summer rolls along, the GPA's come in and I'm happy to announce that our team has earned the distinction of being an ITA All-Academic team with a combined GPA above 3.2. For a list of all honoree's click here

Individually, with GPA's this year above 3.5, we had 4 ITA Scholar Athlete's:

Div - enjoying her success with a mellow summer in Eugene taking the MCAT and Physics at UofO.
Katie - finishing her college career strong with All-NWC scholar athlete award
Alex - highest female GPA of female varsity athlete's at Whitman!
Emily - huge 1st year impact playing top 3 doubles/top 6 singles all year to complement her scholastic achievements.

ONE MORE THING - Hopefully you have seen the Whitman webpage with the article on Alex's Wine Economics paper getting honored in France, great job Gator!

For the article, click here

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Katie Oost - Scholar...Athlete... More

Another award for Katie, this time it's the Northwest Conference Scholar Athlete first team honor. Each of the 9 schools in our conference uses their own criteria to put forth one male and one female student athlete each year.

Katie finished her degree in Psychology with honors and was among the top GPA's for student athletes at Whitman, although she did rank 2nd on our team as Senior Alex Robinson led the way with the highest GPA on our team. At one point this year Alex told the freshman that there are times when all she does is study, sleep and play tennis. And Katie often uses school as an excuse to skip out on a party or social event. After a full year of working with them, I was very impressed by their work ethics and time management, but also found that they were both more social than they sometimes let on.

Ok, back to business. The link to the conference awards is http://www.nwcsports.com/information/awards/2008-09/0809scholarathlete1stteam and note that Katie is the ONLY TENNIS PLAYER, male or female, to be honored by their institution.

And more... Not only was I fortunate enough to coach Katie for a year, she'll be staying on in Walla Walla taking a break before grad school to serve as our Assistant Coach. Stay tuned for further news on Katie's new role and watch out because she is just as competitive in practices and eating contests as she is in the classroom and during matches.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Elise and Katie named D3 All-Americans

Ok, so this is no surprise since they had the honor wrapped up in September by winning the Northwest Fall ITA regional, but it is still super cool to see their names up on the ITA website. Congratulations to our first NCAA All-American's since 1988!

Link to ITA site: http://www.itatennis.com/AwardsAndRankings/AllAmerica/2009_ITA_Division_III_Women_s_All-American_Team.htm

More about these great student athletes:


Katie: Aka "Toast", Katie did not grow up with a racket in her hand. She started at age 15 and is just a phenomenal athlete and outstanding tennis player. With half our team gone for the fall studying abroad, Toastie stepped up to the top doubles spot and did not dissapoint. In just our few short weeks of tournament preparation last fall, she went from, "I never serve and volley" to charging the net on almost every point. I'm so glad such a hard working and fun player earned this honor.

Elise: Aka "Twitch", what to say about Twitchy, she's talented, intense, silly. When I got the job at Whitman, Elise gave me a 6 month grace period because she "likes new people". As a coach I think we made the most of it with a singles and doubles win in our first tournament followed by a trip to Alabama where she impressed coaches around the country with her ability while keeping every west coast player and coach entertained with her tennis IQ, skill with the disc, ability to climb battleships, and penchant for late night waffles. It is tremendously gratifying as a coach to work with a player who has such a well developed game but is open to learning more and is willing to constantly strive to be better; that is Elise.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Blogging now

I have really enjoyed emailing families, friends and alumni, but have been convinced that using a blog will help you all keep in touch with WC tennis.
-John