Despite a turbulent spring and summer for St. Thomas women’s tennis players, the team has one focus: the here and now.
St. Thomas announced its decision to cut its varsity tennis programs last May, but the women’s team was reinstated a month later after members threatened to file a Title IX lawsuit against the university. Now, the team prepares for its first Division I competition at the end of September with a new coach, a new place to practice and new DI expectations.
“Let’s live in the here and now,” coach Lois Arterberry said. “The most important thing is that we’re here, and we’re a team, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Senior Brooke Hapuku said players are adjusting to longer practices and a new strength and conditioning schedule.
“We definitely know it’s going to be a lot more intense, and the atmosphere itself will be more intense,” Hapuku said.
Arterberry, who has coached several DI teams, said the team will be prepared no matter who is across the net.
“I think we have to have some pride in what we do, and not sort of bow down to anyone or look at a team like, ‘Oh my gosh, they’re Division I.’ We’re Division I as well,” Arterberry said. “They’re practicing, we’re practicing. They’re in the weight room, we’re in the weight room.”
St. Thomas Athletics, the Board of Trustees and President Julie Sullivan cited a lack of facilities and resources as reasons for cutting the programs in May, but things like locker rooms, indoor practice courts and scholarship funds are still in the works.
“I’d love the community to know that we do have the support from our athletic director and our president, and the rest of the staff here,” Arterberry said.
The team, which used to train at the University of Minnesota, now practices outdoors at St. Paul Academy and Summit School. Arterberry said there are no current conversations about building courts on campus.
While Arterberry hopes to schedule another tournament for October, Hapuku and the team prepare in the here and now for their sole fall tournament starting Sept. 25 at Creighton University.
“My mindset is day by day, point by point, match by match,” Hapuku said.
Editors note: TommieMedia sports editor Olivia Paradise, a player on the women’s tennis team, did not contribute to this story.
Mia Laube can be reached at mia.laube@stthomas.edu.
Happiness