By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
After a tough 2023-2024 season, with the women’s team winning only one match against Lourdes and the men’s team winning three matches of the 14 played, the team developed an intense resiliency and bond together.
The team’s shaky season instilled a core value and goal for both teams: don’t give up. The team was forced to face various challenges amidst a new season with a new roster and new team dynamic.
With a testing fall season, the Saints have their eye on the prize for their upcoming season. The men’s team fought hard this fall, playing two Division III NCAA programs, but falling to Adrian College 1-6 and Alma College by a mere 3-4, with the women’s team coming up short to Alma 1-6.
Although the upcoming season’s schedule has not yet been finalized or released for the Saints tennis team, the hard work and dedication of the athletes have prevailed. The team has put in work both on and off the court, with the overall goal of growth of the team.
Tom Gangov, a senior on the team who has grown with the team since his freshman year, notes the team’s resilience and how it impacts every athlete on the team. “We are maintaining top form for our upcoming season in the spring. The team is confident in the athletics program and its ability to provide for our team’s needs while we face this time of uncertainty,” said Gangov.
With coaching staff trials, tribulations and changes, the team faces uncertainty early on in the season, which may explain the team’s strong perseverance. After losing head coach Gunnar Peery following the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season, having him return this season, but then deciding to exit the program again at the end of the fall season for the Saints, leaving the team without an official head coach.
After the coaching staff changes early in the season, Kevin Loftis, one of the prior assistant coaches for the team was named the head coach for the Saints for the 2024-2025 season. Nick Klak remained in his position, keeping the title of Assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams.
The team is small but strong, even noting the need for at least two additional members to add to the women’s roster for this upcoming season. Regardless of the unperfect start to the season for the team, they have bonded and have made waves in the way they interact and the dynamic as a whole. Kayla Kodan, a sophomore member of the team said “I am so proud of how close we have stuck together despite our team’s challenges the past couple of seasons. I love our tennis family and cannot wait to create more memories during our upcoming season.”
The men’s and women’s tennis teams at Aquinas have had their fair share of challenges this season alone. The bond and resiliency of the athletes in response to these challenges has made the team what it is today. As they prepare for their upcoming season, the athletes are working hard to ensure as smooth of a season as possible and are ready for whatever is thrown their way.
* Photos Below*
Both Tennis Teams Compete during Fall-Season Play – Photo by Aquinas College Tennis
Senior Tom Gangov Competes During a Match – Photo by Aquinas College Tennis
The Saint 