Coach Jeff Hamilton is returning for his second season as Shawnee State Women’s Tennis coach after posting a 5-5 record last season.  The Bears are returning only 3 players off of last year’s squad.  “This is going to be a rebuilding year.  We lost key players from last year’s team and we will need people to step up and fill their shoes, “ stated Coach Hamilton. 

The top-returning player for the Bears is Senior Amanda Holbrook.  Amanda will move up to the # 1 singles position after recording a 5-5 record at the #2 position last season.   Holbrook is an accomplished doubles player having won 16 matches with various partners during her career. Jessica Cooper and Angel Ross round out the returning players for the Bears.  “The leadership of our returning players is vital to our success this year,” said Hamilton. 

Newcomers Brandi Stotts-Quezaire and Jen Cummins will likely battle for the #2 and #3 positions along with Jessica Cooper.  The other positions are up for grabs.  Look for other newcomers April Holbrook, Jessica Bonzo, Cindy Leach, Stacey Johnson, and former Bears basketball player Stephanie Allard to fight for the other positions. 

Shawnee State opens play at home versus defending American Mideast Conference Champion, Walsh University, on Saturday, April 5.