Simmons Tennis finished the 2008 campaign with an 11-5 overall record, and a 7-0 run against Great Northeast Athletic Conference opponents. The Sharks captured the GNAC Championship for the fourth time in five years. Head Coach Bob Rauseo received GNAC Coach of the Year honors for the third time in four years. Katy Hallinan (Lakeville, Mass.), Maile Macloed (Carlsbad, Calif.), Maggie Taylor (Yarmouth, Maine) and Stacey Kohan (Milford, Conn.) each received GNAC All-Conference honors at the close of the 2008 season. Simmons is now the 10th-ranked Division III team in Massachusetts, according to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.
In winning the GNAC tournament, the Sharks qualified for the NCAA tournament in May of 2009. Simmons will be preparing for this next challenge by playing a few spring matches as they leave the 2008 season behind.
Rauseo was very pleased with his team's accomplishments in 2008. "The chemistry was amazing. Everyone worked really well together and supported each other. Qualifying for the NCAA is a great accomplishment for such a young team. I didn't know what to expect since we had so many new players."
The captains, Kohan and Jordan Borash (Marblehead, Mass.) were an integral part of making sure the freshmen were ready to compete at a high level. "The captains did an amazing job of integrating the four freshman," said Rauseo. "When four out of ten players are new to the program, there is definitely an adjustment period. The captains had everyone on the same page from the beginning." The Simmons freshman did not disappoint, combining for a 22-0 record in conference singles, led by Taylor's 9 wins. Freshman Athena Lynch (Andover, Mass.) and Borash were the only GNAC doubles team who finished the 2008 season undefeated, with a 9-0 record.
Many upperclassmen stepped up their game from 2007 to contribute to this season's lineup. Macleod moved from #6 singles in 2007 to #2 this season, and had big wins in the playoffs. Kohan moved into the #1 singles position in 2008, and according to Rauseo, "provided the leadership and the fight that is necessary at the top." Rauseo also noted that Hallinan played hurt all season and never complained, winning match after match.
"This was the most 'coachable' team that I've ever had," said Rauseo. "They were quick learners and often added their own valuable insight."
"This season has far exceeded my expectations," said Kohan. Losing five seniors and three starters left us looking vulnerable but we didn't skip a beat. This is the strongest team I've seen during my years on the Simmons tennis team. Every girl fought to the last point and never let up, which goes to show how much passion and dedication there is for this sport and particularly this team. I am very proud to be part of such a supportive team."