As the new season begins, the St. Ambrose women’s tennis team is sporting a new look.  This year they are lead by new head coach, Rich Blomgren.

Although that name is not unfamiliar around the tennis courts, it is to the women’s side.  Coach Blomgren has come to this position after nine years as the head coach of the men’s tennis team.

Along with coach Blomgren, the team is mostly composed of underclassmen including five new freshmen.  With so many new faces on the team, this year is mostly dedicated to rebuilding. 

“(The freshmen) need to get experience before they can be major contributors,” said coach Blomgren about the impact of the new players. 

Even though their record is not that good so far this season, Blomgren is not too concerned.

“There are other values, besides winning, that I find important in coaching,” Blomgren said. “They seem to be putting in the effort to get better.”

One of those values is improvement.  The team is beginning to realize that they need to improve, both individually and as a team.

“The goal everyday is to get better,” Blomgren said. “The only way to get better is to practice more seriously, that is the only way we can win.”

Coach Blomgren has high hopes of fulfilling this goal during the rest of this season, this spring, and this summer.

“Then,” he says, “We can set goals as far as wins and loses.”

Natalie Cox (Jr.), one of the few returning athletes is leading the team in the number one spot.  Joining her in the junior ranks are Courtney Meyer (Jr.) and Kaitlin Steffenhagen (Jr.).  

Since the women’s tennis team has no seniors this season, it’s conceivable that all of the players will be back for at least one more year, building on their knowledge and ability of the game.

For more information on women's tennis, contact Coach Blomgren at BlomgrenRichardW@sau.edu