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Coach's corner

Heading into the NCAA's

May 7, 2009

Dear Tennis Lettermen and Friends,

After arguably, the most successful three year reign in Georgia Tennis history, the so-called experts predicted our team would be in “rebuilding” mode. “They” thought we did not have the depth of talent to help us stay in the top echelon of college tennis, even though we had the nation’s top recruiting class in 2007 with Nate Schnugg, Jamie Hunt and Christian Vitulli, now juniors.

In my opinion, they did not give enough credit to the dedication, hard work and temperament of this team. Javier Garrapiz has proven to be a great player and has made the move to the top half of the singles lineup with great results and the same consistency he had last year as the best #5 singles player in the nation as a freshman. Nobody outside our program may have envisioned Josh Varela becoming the heart and soul of our team this year. The senior from Watkinsville, GA and a young man who grew up in the grandstands of Henry Feild Stadium watching his older brother Jason play for the Dawgs has become the mainstay at #4 singles this spring and earned a 2nd team All-SEC selection. Drake Bernstein made his move with his competitive fire and determination to succeed. He clinched huge matches against the Florida Gators and Tennessee Vols and has become a regular in the doubles with Javier. Christian Vitulli has come back and finished with strong performances in both singles and doubles, with partner Borja Malo, and is playing his best tennis of the year as we embark into postseason play.

Nate and Jamie have had excellent years and both enjoyed 1st team selections to the All SEC Team and have already earned All America status.

We are happy to be hosting the 1st and 2nd rounds of the NCAA regional beginning tomorrow. Our first round opponent will be South Carolina State, the other half of our regional pits UNC Wilmington and Virginia Tech. The Final Sixteen ticket will be decided this Saturday in a 4 PM match and the winner will advance to College Station, Texas.

We will be posting player journals and coaches notes throughout the tournament.

Best regards,

Manuel