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2002-03 Women's Tennis Outlook
4/15/2003 12:00 AM | Women's Tennis
April 15, 2003
The 2002-03 season marks the beginning of a new era for the University of Utah women's tennis team. For the first time in 15 years, the program is under new direction. Megan Payne-Dorny, a former Ute Standout, takes over as the head coach.
With her background as an assistant coach that last two in addition to her outstanding playing career in the late '90s, Dorny possesses both a tremendous knowledge of the game and a strong familiarity with the Utah program. "Being a former student-athlete at Utah, I feel that I have a good understanding of where the program has been and where it needs to be," states Dorny.
Dorny's successful career at Utah ended with a No. 55 ranking nationally and a No. 1 ranking in the ITA central region for university players. In addition to her time on the Utah coaching staff, Dorny also has prior instructional experience at the SLST Club and the Snowbird CRC.
Rejoining the University of Utah coaching staff is Ruth Ann Escobedo. Escobedo begins her second tenure as an assistant coach with the Utes. Escobedo brings with her a wealth of playing and coaching experience. Former Ute All American also served for four years under former coach John Tsumas. "Ruth Ann's technical and strategical knowledge of the will be a valuable asset to the staff, and as one of the finest doubles players in Utah's history, she will help strengthen our doubles performance.
As Dorny turns her attention towards the season ahead, she stresses confidence, good decision-making and teamwork. "I know the players well and I see a lot of potential," states Dorny.
Dorny wants to focus the players' attention on working together as a team and not as individuals. "We have some players that are capable of playing some good tennis, but we must work as a team in order to be successful this year," emphasizes Dorny.
The Utes will be without former team captain Irini Kotoglou, losing her to graduation. "Without Kotoglou, we will be missing a great team leader," says Dorny. "We hope someone will step up and fill that role for us."
Leading the team this season will be senior Cassie Kasteler, sophomore Ellen Svensson and junior Sheri Esrock. Kasteler boasted a 14-15 overall record last season and had a 6-3 mark at the No. 5 position in dual matches. "Kasteler has a good all-court game," says Dorny. "She's a very solid player and possesses a strong serve."
Svensson had last year's best overall record, finishing 16-14 while playing primarily at the three through five positions. Svensson is expected to make a huge impact on the team this season. "Svensson is an extremely consistent player, and has success using her top-spin forehand," says Dorny. "She's a determined fighter who is good when her team is behind her."
Esrock is a proven veteran who finished with a 16-16 overall record last year. She worked her way from the number 5 spot at the first of the season to the number 1 spot at the end. Sheri is nicknamed "The Rocket" because of her powerful forehand. "When Esrock uses her forehand, she's very dangerous and fun to watch," says Dorny. "She plays fast and is a natural leader."
Also returning is sophomore Allison Hansen from East High School. Hansen showed a lot of potential by finishing 8-9 at No. 6 singles as a freshman. She is expected to be a big asset to the team in both singles and doubles play this year. "Hansen is one of most gifted players at the net in singles and doubles," compliments Dorny. "She possesses intensity and aggression."
Utah welcomes several newcomers in 2002-03. Freshman Joanna Zyndzo, a top recruit out of Poland, will make a big impact in the middle of the singles lineup, as well as in doubles. "Zyndzo is a very committed student and player," says Dorny.
Another top recruit is Swede Maria Svensson, who is Ellen Svensson's sister. "Maria is a confident player and one of the best athletes on the team," states Dorny.
The Utes welcome freshman transfer Rachel Alder. Alder, a native of the Salt Lake area brings experience to the Utes' lineup. "Alder brings height to the team and is an aggressive baseliner who is very solid off the ground," says Dorny.
Heather Unger, also a freshman, is a walk-on from Tucson, Arizona. "Heather will add height. She's a hard worker and an aggressive baseliner. She has a lot of potential," reveals Dorny.
Nesrine Njeim joins the team as a walk-on from France. "Nezrine is a very hard worker and a great athlete. She enjoys herself in practice and workouts, and has a great attitude," states Dorny.
Also walking on the team is Bekah Welsh, a transfer from North Texas. "Bekah brings with her a year of collegiate experience," adds Dorny.
In a conference that continues to get stronger, Dorny expects the Utes to fare well in the Mountain West standings. "UNLV, San Diego State and Brigham Young are very good teams. New Mexico is improving. No question, it is a tough conference to compete in, but we expect to finish near the top," states Dorny.
Utah has scheduled matches against some of the best teams from within the region, as well as a number of top 35 teams from across the nation. With a schedule featuring No. 16 South Carolina, No. 20 UNLV, No. 25 Fresno State, No. 28 TCU, and No. 30 San Diego St., Dorny hopes the Utes will gain vital experience from playing top-rated schools. To prepare her team for its tough schedule, Dorny had the athletes work extensively on strength and conditioning during the off-season. "We lost a lot of close matches last year. I hope our superior conditioning will put us over the top in these matches" The Utes also fine-tuned their skills. "By working on the fundamentals and focusing on strength and conditioning, we hope to boost the athletes' confidence."
Although the Utes' roster is filled with young players and new faces, Dorny feels her first team at Utah has the talent and desire to make an impact in the conference and the region, as well as break onto the national scene.
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