SUNY New Paltz Tennis Aces Fall Season

The SUNY New Paltz tennis team reached a notable milestone at the end of its fall 2024 season, finishing with an undefeated record that secured its spot as No. 1 in the SUNYAC Conference as the team did not lose a single game against its SUNYAC competitor.

The Hawks finished the season with a 7-0 record, dominating both conference and non-conference play. This unbeaten streak not only highlights the team’s talent, but also reflects the team’s commitment and close-knit dynamic.

The team played in the Union Tournament on September 7th and 8th against the Garnett Chargers, St. Lawrence University and SUNY Oneonta in preparation for its home opener on September 13th against Manhattanville, which it won 6-1.

They then played Plattsburgh, another SUNYAC team, and defeated them 7-0. The Hawks continued their winning streak the next week, winning games against Oneonta on Sept. 18 and Bard College on Sept. 20, 7-0. From October 3rd to 5th, they competed against Fredonia, Oswego and Cortland, all SUNYAC competitors, and won every game.

“The game against Oswego was a big game as both teams entered the game with undefeated records,” said Robert Bruley, coach of the SUNY New Paltz tennis team. That pressure didn’t stop the Hawks as they finished their season undefeated and set a new school record by not losing a single game to a conference opponent. Their final game of the season against Cortland secured them first place for the conference championships in the spring.

“We all want each other to do well and succeed because we care so much about each other. This coupled with our constant winning mentality and aggressiveness on the pitch is our recipe for success. When this team sets its mind to something, there is no stopping it until we achieve it,” said Isabel Van der Veen, the team’s senior captain and a four-year starter.

The team’s commitment not only to their sport, but also to each other and their non-stop training make them strong. “We work a lot on team building through our tactical play. We have a certain way we like to play at New Paltz. I expect a high work ethic both at practice and on game day: a never-give-up attitude,” said Bruley, who has coached the New Paltz tennis team for 28 years.

Because the tennis team has a split season, meaning conference play in the fall and conference championships in the spring, they must always keep their eyes on the prize as the way they play in the first half of their season affects the second half effects. “Our coach always challenges us in the spring so that we are as prepared as possible for the conference championships,” Van der Veen said.

“Our goals going forward are to always take it one game at a time and focus on what we can control,” Bruley said. Their goal is to continue their winning ways this upcoming spring season by winning the conference championship and representing SUNY New Paltz at the NCAA National Tennis Championship.

Post views: 15