This season is off to an incredible start for the Muhlenberg men’s tennis team. The Mules started their season with three commanding wins in a row. This past Saturday, Sept. 21, the Mules won six matches at Marywood University while only losing one. “I think the success we have had so far this season relates to all the work we have been putting in during practices,” said Noah Katz ‘25, who convincingly won both his singles and doubles matches over the weekend. “[We are] trying to physically prepare ourselves but also mentally prepar[e] ourselves for whatever the opponent throws at us.”
Katz and Isaac Shulman ‘25 are going into the season as the experienced seniors on a young team. “I try to bring a supportive and helpful attitude to the team,” said Katz. “When we huddle at the end of practice, I like to say a couple of words and break us down. It has been such a privilege to play collegiate tennis and that is reflected in my actions on the team and in the camaraderie we have created.” Other than Katz and Shulman, the Mules sent five sophomores and one freshman to play against Marywood. With the team being so young it’s important that Katz and Shulman lead the team to success this season. Moreover, the coach’s leadership is also incredibly important.
“[We are] trying to physically prepare ourselves but also mentally prepar[e] ourselves for whatever the opponent throws at us.” – Noah Katz ’25
This is Head Coach Doug Maynard’s second year coaching the group. He took over after David DeLasCasas Kurvink stepped down following the 2022-2023 season. “Coach Maynard has provided us with an opportunity to learn from a very talented player and a tennis mind who has spent years in the game. He brings in several concepts which we take to heart each time we step on court, the ability to be adaptable, coachable and others,” said Katz. “The more time that the team spends learning from him, the more confident I feel about our ability to win and be competitive in the Centennial Conference. I look forward to what the future has to offer the team here.”
The Mules are trying to build off their 2023-2024 season last year where they had four more wins than the season prior. With a promising team, the present and future of the tennis team are looking bright for the Mules. “I think the success we have had so far relates to all the work we have been putting in during practices. [We are] trying to physically prepare ourselves but also mentally preparing ourselves for whatever the opponent throws at us,” said Katz.
I think the success we have had so far relates to all the work we have been putting in during practices. Trying to physically prepare ourselves but also mentally preparing ourselves for whatever the opponent throws at us,” said Katz.
Building off the success of the team so far, the chemistry has been excellent between all the players. Katz explains that “Having some new faces on the team has been a welcome addition, we are quite a close-knit team and spend hours outside of practice hanging out and also doing homework together. Supporting one another has been an important facet of our team chemistry.”
Unfortunately, the match on Monday, Sept. 23 at Chestnut Hill University was postponed. Their next match will be the ITA Southeast Regional tournament this upcoming weekend, Sept. 28-29, in Fredericksburg, Va. where the Mules hope to continue their hot streak.
