Tennis Reunion Time At Smith

The 135th Smith College commencement took place this past Sunday, May 19, with all of the traditional receptions, dinners and special events over the course of the weekend. It was an exciting time for all graduating seniors and returning alums. On the other side of the campus on Saturday, after the Ivy Day celebration, there was another special event: the annual Smith tennis alumnae gathering. This is not a traditional reception where visiting and eating were the main activities; this was a round robin tennis event where players from as early as 1988 competed with recent grads, family and friends.  Let's hear it for that great lifetime sport of tennis! The afternoon was a wonderful sharing of memories, both recent and past. If you know of any alumnae who are eager to catch up with Smith Tennis, please let them know that we have a facebook page to remember our history. (smithcollegetennisalums) We plan to hold this event annually!

There will be a similar tennis gathering on Saturday, May 25 during the second reunion weekend. Please join us at the outdoor courts fron 2:30-4pm if you are on campus or in the area.

Our Team, 2013

Smith Tennis Ends Season with Double Header

Smith hosted two Rhode Island schools on Saturday, April 20.   Salve Regina and Roger Williams graced the Smith courts in a full day of double header tennis.  Salve defeated Smith 6-3 and Roger Williams took the second match 8-1 but both matches were filled with exciting tennis and excellent individual performances.  Captain Jordan Dubin led the field with three wins for the day.  Jordan paired up with Tessy Lopez in the first match to bring in the number one doubles win against Salve Regina.  Jordan went on to win the number one singles match in a decisively played match against Kasey Walther 7-5, 6-1.  She was joined in wins by Jinan Martiuk, who  brought in a win for the Pioneers at number 6 singles.   Coach Christine Davis commented that "Jinan hustles and thinks on the court using every bit of tennis talent she owns.  She is fun to watch compete".

Jordan Dubin

No excuses were made as the team headed out to play as many as four individual matches in the day.  Jordan started strong and impressed all on the bleachers with her top level DIII tennis play in the match against Roger Williams' number one player, Tracy Klein.   Jordan won 6-0, 6-4 in a decisive well-executed game.   Davis was very pleased with Jordan's performance of the day and commented that "she played with determination and poise".  Jordan Dubin was selected as this week's Smith Athlete of the Week.   Congratulations to Jordan.

Smith Competes in Historic Seven Sisters' Tennis Championship

Buoyed up by quotes from John Wooden, who many think is "the greatest college coach in the history of any sport" *,  Smith Tennis took to the courts on April 13 and 14 in the historic Seven Sisters' Tennis Championship.  The tournament was held at Vassar College and eventually won by Vassar in the five-team round robin event.  

Jinan Martiuk

Fearless, spirited and positive describes those at the heart of the team.  They stepped up to the competition with few excuses.  The Smith Tennis Team made their mark, not by their wins, but by their brave hearts and eager, positive responses to competitive opportunities.  One player, who made her cameo intercollegiate tennis experience in this event, was heard saying following each of her matches:  "That match was so much fun!"

The tournament official commented on how upbeat many of the Smith players were on the court.  "Who would not want to be a part of such a positive team?" commented an opposing assistant coach.

This spirited team is made up of predominantly first years.  Look out because this team knows the meaning of hard work and sees their potential for the future.  Who knows what they will be able to achieve.  The majority certainly gave their best this weekend.

"Success in the peace of mind that is the direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming."  John Wooden

* John Wooden was named  the greatest college coach of all time by Sporting News in 2009.  His teams earned 10 NCAA basketball Championships during his reign at UCLA.  "He shared the values and life lessons he passed to his players, emphasizing success that’s about much more than winning."  -TED, IdeasWorthSpreading

Smith Earns Decisive Win Over Lesley

Smith College Tennis hosted Lesley University on Wednesday, April 3 at 4pm.  Smith dominated from the beginning, playing with resolve and posting a 9-0 victory.  Although Smith was favored in this match, they had to earn the victory through patience and solid tactics.

Kyle Gouchoe-Hanas

Lesley started with a deficit because they have yet to practice on a regular basis due to weather conditions and little access to indoor facilities but they made no excuses and were gracious competitors who fought right up to the last point.  The two teams showed the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the match.

Smith is now 2-3 for the spring season with Connecticut College scheduled at home on April 6 at 2pm.

Spring Break and Beyond

Riverside Inn in Intervale, NH

Smith returned all smiles from their Newbury College mixed doubles experience in Boston on Saturday, March 16.  The Pioneers dominated the match play and then teamed up for some mixed doubles fun.  Smith Tennis then took to the road on a Sunday afternoon to do, what they had planned, head north for spring break.  The idyllic drive up and over the snowy mountains in NH and past Mt. Washington ended in Intervale, NH at the quintessential Riverside Inn.  The lovely inn located near North Conway, NH, is the perfect resort destination any time.  The Inn is owned by the Ken and Chris Lydecker, parents of former Smith tennis player and all-conference doubles player, Catherine Lydecker.  The Lydeckers graciously opened their 7 room inn for three days to the team. The rooms are exquisite and the breakfasts unparalleled.  Smith Tennis determined that they did not always have to travel south for a good tennis experience.   Smith posted a decisive win over University of Southern Maine on their trek to Gorham Maine and then bowed to Colby-Sawyer at the Dartmouth Tennis facility on the way home.  Eight inches of snow fell on the team’s day off giving a picture perfect setting and winter playground for the team to experience.  The players  practiced, played, cooked and ate together for the three days and grew closer for the experience.

The team resumed classes on March 14 and prepared for a tough double header on March 30.  Simmons defeated Smith 9-0 on the indoor courts at Smith but not without some good rallies and choice point making.  The temperature broke 50 degrees by afternoon and the team fought with Endicott on the outdoor courts.  Jordan Dubin was the sole victor in the afternoon posting a decisive and impressive win over lefty Chrissy Martel, 6-4, 6-1.

MHC had a cliffhanger win earlier in the day with Endicott earning a hard fought 5-4 victory.  Smith’s win/loss record took a beating but not the team spirit.  They will gear up to play Lesley College on Wednesday, April 3 at Smith.

Smith Tennis Goes North For Spring Break

The Smith College Tennis Team is traveling but heading north this year for spring break.  They will compete against  Newbury College in Boston on Saturday, March 16. The team will then head to Maine to play University of Southern Maine on Monday, March 18 and down to Dartmouth to compete against Colby-Sawyer on March 20.

The team will make their headquarters at The Riverside Inn in Intervale, NH.  The owners, Ken and Chris Lydecker, parents of former Smith Tennis Team member and captain, Catherine Lydecker,  have graciously opened their inn and home to the team for the four day adventure.

Carly Melillo