Panther Tennis: Spring Semester Update

With our spring semester underway and the weather starting to thaw out some of the snow, it is time for another update of Middlebury Men’s Tennis! Even though we are far from a typical semester, we are thrilled to report that our group has already making the most of another unique semester!

Remote Spring Tennis

When deciding a few months ago where they would spend their spring semester, our group was faced with substantial uncertainty about the future of what would be possible this semester relative to campus, classes, and tennis. Some of our group chose to study remotely, others took a gap semester, and we have one player back on campus as well. Despite continued unique and challenging circumstances, we remain closely connected with each and every player on the team. Even better, each Panther is attacking their spring semester and making the most of it both academically and on the tennis courts. 

Recently, we have had the pleasure of following two doubles teams make a run to the finals and then win a tournament in Southern California. In fact, each of our the panthers who have competed in a tournament over the past few weeks have all earned at least one win. Most importantly, it has been wonderful to see our group use their creativity and passion to find competitive environments to continue to push their tennis games. We look forward to watching our group continue to grow their competitive sharpness as they find more ways to compete.

Panthers on Campus

Here in Middlebury, Zihao Yuan ’24 is back into our rhythm of six day a week training with a blend of individual work with the coaches, fitness, and even some yoga too. His consistent hard work and dedication serves him well and the coaching staff is excited to be able to keep up with our in person coaching skills as well. We are optimistic that if the spring continues to go well from a Covid perspective, we might be able to find Zihao scrimmage opportunities against conference competition!

Zihao Yuan '24 dialing in his volley technique
in Nelson Arena!

NESCAC Play This Spring

Recently, the NESCAC college presidents made an announcement about spring sports (read the announcement here). There will likely be some limited dual match play during the end of the spring semester. Click here to read more.

While we do not have enough players to compete in dual matches this spring, we remain committed to staying focused on the overall missions of our program which includes helping our group to develop their tennis level while simultaneously getting them closer to their career goals as well. Of course, we always strive to ensure our group enjoys every aspect of their collegiate experience as well! As a coaching staff, we could not be prouder of the way our group has navigated difficult obstacles and decisions through the pandemic. They remain committed, optimistic, and as passionate as ever about what we are all about.

Sending our very best wishes to everyone in our Middlebury Tennis Family,

The Middlebury Men’s Tennis Coaching Staff