The Univeristy of Wisconsin-Superior men’s and women’s tennis teams wrapped up their season, with both teams competing for an Upper Midwest Athletic Conference title.
The women’s team ended their regular season play with a 10-13 overall record, and a 7-3 conference record, finishing out the regular season in third place in the conference. The UW-Superior women’s team played Minnesota Morris on April 25, in the UMAC women’s tennis tournament play-in game. The Yellowjackets lost to the Minnesota Morris 2-5, ending their season in the play-in game.
“We have had so many ups and downs all season so it’s hard to pinpoint moments. We’ve created a growth mindset environment where we appreciate the downs and view them as learning opportunities.
So, we try to not to judge the ups or downs too much and instead work to stay present and grateful,” said Ceejay Schaffner, the head coach of UW-Superior’s men’s and women’s tennis teams.
Despite falling short in the play-in game, the Yellowjackets can take what they have learned from Schaffner and apply a growth mindset for next year’s season.
As for the UWS men’s tennis team, they finished the regular season with a 23-4 overall record, and a perfect 10-0 conference record.
UWS earned first-place standings in the UMAC regular season earning a spot in the 2023 UMAC men’s tennis tournament.
The Yellowjackets played Principia College on April 28, in the semifinals of the UMAC tournament. The Yellowjackets beat Principia College 5-1, advancing them to the championship game.
In the championship game, the Yellowjackets played against Greenville University for the UMAC title.
The Jackets fell short and were defeated 1-5, losing in the championship game against Greenville.
All season long both the men’s and the women’s team have worked as a team to have an opportunity to compete for a UMAC Championship.
Although, a Yellowjacket tennis athlete that significantly impacted the women’s team was freshman Andreina Tejada.
“Andreina Tejada has been a huge help for our team. Her experience playing high level tennis in Ecuador has proven to be essential to our success on court. She went undefeated in conference play which is an incredible feat for a freshman,” said Schaffner.
Tejada reflects on her first season as Yellowjacket. “This year taught me the value of teamwork and the necessity of mutual support. My mental toughness will get stronger next season,” said Tejada. “It is incredible to be part of a sport team. You get to know really nice people there and play the sport you love at the same time. I am grateful for this opportunity.”
Tejada won UMAC Player of the Year and UMAC Rookie of the Year. To top that off Tejada earned All-UMAC First Team honors.
Both the men’s and the women’s UW-Superior tennis teams look to use their growth mindset and continue to get better for next year’s tennis season.
