Captain Veronica Mpoungui and co-captain Sandra Elgizooli, Junior, along with Senior
The campus tennis club, co-captained by junior Veronica Mpoungui and senior Sandra Elgizooli, has become a welcoming space for students to explore the sport of tennis, whether they are experienced players or complete beginners. The club, which meets on Mondays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 3-5 p.m. at the tennis courts next to the parking lot, offers a chance to develop skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game.
Veronica, a competitive player back home, found her love for tennis while playing with her brother. Veronica, who taught Sandra the basics, recalls their first meeting on the court. Veronica’s natural talent for the game and her enthusiasm inspired her to create a space where others could experience the joy of tennis.
“Tennis is fun, but not as easy as it looks,” Veronica said, reflecting on her journey.
Winter Challenges and Creative Solutions
Although the outdoor courts provide a practical and affordable choice in the warmer seasons, the club encounters a significant challenge during the winter. The removal of the campus bubble facility has left the team without an indoor option for cold-weather practice. Renting local tennis centers is drastically expensive.
“We think it’s best to hold our club only at the beginning of the fall semester and throughout the spring when the weather is warmer,” said Sandra.
The captains are also exploring ways to secure funding to sustain the club, including bake sales and consulting other campus organizations. They’ve reached out to the athletics department for guidance.
Creating a Space for All Skill Levels
One of the club’s core missions is inclusiveness. Sandra acknowledges that newcomers often hesitate to join because they assume they need prior experience. However, the club is structured to accommodate all levels. Practices are divided into groups: experienced players focus on advanced drills, matches, and scrimmages, while beginners work on building foundational skills like volleys and backhands.
“I help and support Veronica, especially when she’s unavailable, by leading beginner groups during practice,” Sandra said.
A junior that requested to be anonymous has emerged as a promising candidate to help ensure the club’s longevity. As Sandra and Veronica approach graduation, their goal is to leave behind a thriving organization.
“We want to see the club continue long-term,” Sandra said. “A lot of members are beginners, and we hope they build the confidence and skills to keep playing.”
Looking Ahead
The captains’ short-term focus is helping members improve enough to scrimmage regularly. Their long-term vision includes advocating for tennis as an official college sport.
“Tennis is a challenging but rewarding sport,” said Veronica. “We hope to see our members grow as players and keep this club alive for years to come.”
Whether through relays, drills, or scrimmages, the tennis club is proving that with passion and perseverance, students can serve up success both on and off the court.
