Men’s and Women’s Tennis welcome new season and new assistant coach

The Nicholls State University men’s and women’s tennis teams will begin their spring schedules this Friday in Thibodaux at 1:30 p.m. against Mississippi Valley State University. The men’s team commences the 2018 season with the addition of five new freshman members, while the women’s team has added two new players to their roster. Both teams have made room on the court for a new assistant coach as well.

WELCOME TO COLONEL COUNTRY

Frank Russo joins the Colonels after having spent the last year coaching the men’s and women’s programs at Fordham University in the Bronx, New York.

A New York native himself, Russo has spent 35 years in his home state where he said he has been coaching the game for about 17 years. Although he has been coaching youth tennis at country clubs for many years, coaching at the college level is a fairly new venture for Russo.

Joining the Colonels just in time for carnival season and tennis season, Russo said he’s learning about the food and culture, but is mainly ready to get underway with the spring schedule.

“I’m a little afraid of the food, but the people here have been super welcoming,” Russo said. “Obviously, I want to thank the athletic director for the opportunity. I left my wife and dog [behind] so I’m looking to put my head down, grind and work.”

LOOKING FORWARD

The Colonels will face strong opponents this season in Louisiana State University, Tulane University and Mississippi State University. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s standings, as of Jan. 31, LSU’s women’s team is currently ranked 20th in the country for Division I teams in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, while Tulane’s men’s team sits at 20th as well.

Russo said getting to play against top-ranked teams is a challenge he is ready to take on, and that short-term and long-term goals will be key to the men’s and women’s teams this season.

“The short term goal is to improve every day. I looked at the schedule, and I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t look at Tulane and LSU and Southern Miss.,” Russo said. “I’m looking forward to playing schools like that, but eventually, the goal is to win the conference and make the dance.