The Saginaw Valley State University women’s tennis team is headed to Orlando, Florida, to compete in out-of-conference action for spring break.
During the week of spring break, the team will play five times over four days. The teams they are competing against are Seton Hill, Sacred Heart, Ave Maria, Villanova, and Sioux Falls. These range from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics league, all the way to Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Emily Ackerman, head coach of the team, commented on the upcoming trip.
“Competing against teams outside of our region is extremely valuable. It exposes our players to new opponents, different playing styles, and a variety of competitive levels,” she continued. “This trip is important for our team’s development and growth because we will be competing in multiple matches over a short period of time, which will test us both physically and mentally,” she commented.
Although some of the athletes may be new to the Florida trip, the team has traveled to Orlando and other warm locations for spring breaks in the past.
According to Top Spin Pro, “Cold weather can stiffen muscles, reduce flexibility, and affect the ball’s behavior, impacting your grip and comfort,” they stated. “The ball will bounce lower and can often feel much heavier. It feels like more of an effort because the internal rubber has hardened.”
“[The trip] gives us the opportunity to play outdoors. This is something Michigan winters simply don’t allow,” said Ackerman. “Outdoor tennis requires a different skill set than indoor tennis, and factors like air pressure and the elements add another layer of challenge.”
With only 10 athletes on the roster, the group had to stay tight-knit to help maximize their play.
“A major goal for this trip is team bonding,” Ackerman said. “Travel creates intentional time together, allowing our players to build relationships beyond the court and strengthen their connection as a team. Another goal is to ‘win the trip,’ meaning we return home with more wins than losses.”
With only being about a month into the season, this trip is not just about the wins and losses, but laying a strong base for the rest of the season. The Cards will only play one conference match before heading to Florida, making the trip especially important for the team’s connection and growth.
“I hope this trip becomes a strong foundation for the rest of our season,” Ackerman mentioned. “We will have moments of success, moments of adversity, and battles on every court we step onto. If we continue to grow in our grit, tenacity, and tennis IQ, this trip will be a success.”
The Cards will take the field during spring break, Mar. 1, where they will begin their week competing against Seton Hill.
