MU’s tennis program will undergo a drastic makeover this season. A groundbreaking ceremony for a newly renovated tennis facility, complete with six new courts, was held outside Green Tennis Center on Tuesday.
“You’ve got to continue to provide the resources and the tools necessary for (student athletes) to have a great experience here,” Athletics Director Mike Alden said.
The new facility will include a renovation of the existing Green Tennis Center, including six indoor courts to pair with new outdoor courts, new locker rooms and offices and an outdoor viewing area overlooking the courts. The renovations are expected to be completed in time for the spring season.
“This is the first step in our master plan and tennis is an important part in our plan; it’s a high priority for us in our capital campaign,” Associate Athletics Director Mary Austin said. “We’re going to make this a Big 12 (Conference) facility. We’re going to make this a BCS tennis school that everybody can be proud of and one that our student athletes can be proud of.”
Newly refurbished playing grounds aren’t the only changes the ladies of the MU tennis team will witness. A new coach, Sasha Schmid, was hired prior to the start of the season.
“We are so fortunate that we were able to recruit Sasha Schmid to the University of Missouri from Stetson,” Alden said. “We have a tremendous history and a commitment to our tennis program. We have wonderful student athletes and we were able to recruit someone who shares the same ideal that we have at the university, a commitment to excellence for everything we do.”
With commitment to excellence as a staple in the Athletics Department agenda, the hiring of a coach who advocates these principles further serves the university’s mission. Mera said it was clear that it is paying major dividends, especially for the student athletes.
“From day one, what I was really struck by was the entire athletic department’s commitment to the core values of academic integrity, social responsibility and competitive excellence,” senior Jamie Mera said. “It’s not just something that we say here, it’s really something that we try to implement in everything we do. I think it’s because of this commitment that, personally, I’ve been able to have so much success, not just on the court, but also in the classroom.”
With a brand new coach and plans in place for new facilities, the university anticipates a bright future ahead for the tennis program. With all the benefits Schmid sees the new facility bringing to the table, it’s safe to say she would agree.
“There are so many exciting things that are happening here in our program,” Schmid said. “I’m excited about the future. This has already had tremendous positive impacts for our program and I’ve already seen the impact it’s had in our recruiting. I know it’s only going to do more and more for us as we continue to grow.”
The team collectively smiled as it grabbed shovels and broke ground. Excitement about the future was a common theme throughout the crowd in attendance.
“As a senior I cannot express how truly excited I am that I can conclude my career here being able to play on brand new tennis courts,” Mera said. “It’s something (my teammates and I) have been hoping for for a long time.”
