Transfer Expected To Boost Women In the 100th Year
In a season dominated by uncertainty, two determined Aztec head coaches successfully led San Diego State’s two tennis teams through 34 matches against opponents from 9 states.
Given the circumstances, the results were a mixed success. Five players earned All Mountain West Conference honors.
“I think that the major message to learn from this year, both in tennis and in life, is gratitude!” said Aztec women’s head coach Peter Mattera.
“Our athletic department did a really wonderful job in making SDSU be able to have seasons in all sports. It really took a village to make it happen, and for that we are all very grateful.”
Mattera praised his players for adapting their lives.
“They stayed positive in spite of all the testing, mask wearing and new rules that were in place for this season,“ Mattera said.
“Like everyone else, we faced many challenges, but I was very proud of the fact that we stayed together.
“We had to play several matches without a full team, and even giving up 1 or 2 points right from the start, but the effort never varied, and they gave each other all that they had every day, which I found very commendable. Plus their academic performance was terrific, despite having to take all classes on-line.”
Mattera said several factors, including the anticipated arrival of a talented transfer, has raised his expectations for next year’s competition.
“For next year,” Mattera said, “as we hopefully move back into some normalcy, we are really going to have a terrific team.
“Everyone except Abbie (Mulbarger) will be returning, Julia Jordan will be back with us after opting out this season, and we will be adding a wonderful transfer student athlete who will really be a difference maker for us (See Looking Ahead: An All American Transfers To The Aztecs).
“So,” Mattera said, “the future looks to be very bright, and hopefully mask-free when we return for the Fall.”
The returning teammates include Nnena Nadozie of Los Angeles. This season, Nadozie and Tamara Arnold, a senior from Olten, Switzerland, won All Mountain West Conference singles honors.
Nadozie and Alicia Melosch, a junior recruit from Germany now residing in La Jolla, won All Mountain West Conference honors as a doubles team.