First year coach, Dan Dodson takes over a program with a 1-14 record over the past two years.  The Bears have not won an American Mideast Conference match since 2002 when they went 5-5.  Despite SSU’s recent lack of success, Coach Dodson feels relatively optimistic about his first Shawnee State team.  “All the ladies on the team have been working very hard and they are all showing a great deal of improvement.  We still play in the AMC, which is an extremely tough conference, so our conference record may not be that indicative of our improvement.”  

Shawnee State will be led this season by seniors Jen Cummins and Natalie Gill.  Cummins is a third year player and Gill suits up for her second year with the Bears.  The duo combined to play #1 doubles last season.  “Jen and Natalie are both great athletes.  Jen plays with a lot of heart and leaves it all on the court every time out.  Natalie has a very solid game and I expect her to compete with the top players in the league this year.”  

Also returning to the Bears are juniors Amy Richardson and Elizabeth Schultz and sophomores Ashley Fender, Andrea Rader, and Niky Eveland.  All are second year players for SSU.  “Amy and Elizabeth provide great leadership for out younger players.  They work very hard, and have improved their games a lot,” said Dodson.  “Ashley will primarily play doubles and Andrea will see her time playing singles.  Niky is a great motivator and will play a very valuable roll off the court as well as on the court.”  

New the Shawnee State Tennis Team are sophomores Beth Eichelberger and Kate McCarty and freshmen Amy Markley, Brandi Butcher, Emily Smith, and Jennifer Henry.  “Amy is going to have the chance to come in and contribute right out of the gate,” said Dodson.  “She has a strong forehand and first serve, but does need to work on her consistency.  Our other newcomers have come a long way already, but I look for them to contribute more in the future than right away.”  

Shawnee State ’s schedule features 13 matches including 5 AMC matches.  Shawnee State ’s home matches are played at the Portsmouth Racquet Club and at Portsmouth ’s Mound Park .  The Bears open play on Saturday, February 26 vs. Thomas More College .