With a more normal schedule and healthy roster, the Cyclones improved on their previous season and ended on a strong note in the region finals.
The Cyclones started the 2021 season with a solid roster and new head coach in Matt Marusarz, a Cyclone tennis alumnus. They played plenty of close matches, several of which went into third-set tiebreakers, and ended up in fourth place at the NJCAA Region IV Tournament, two places higher than in 2020. They also had an overall 5-4 record, going 2-2 in the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference.
"They really improved from last year. With there being injuries and other player departures, it was incredible to see this team pick up the pieces and put in the work to finish the season strong," Marusarz said. "I think the season went great. The players all worked hard and never gave up. We ended on a strong note, and I couldn't be prouder of my players."
The small and mighty team worked hard. Freshman No. 1 singles player Hannah Markiewicz came in ready to play. "She definitely proved why she deserved that spot because she is one of the most hardworking and determined players I ever had the privilege of coaching," Marusarz said.
Sophomore No. 3 singles player Trisha Meyers fought her way through many matches but with a positive attitude. At regionals, she finished in second place overall at her position and at No. 2 doubles with partner and No. 4 singles sophomore Amanda Hess. "She always found a way to keep things light and upbeat, and that is a very rare thing to see in players. Even when she lost, she was just happy to be there and playing," Marusarz said.
Sophomore Nada Hinnawi at No. 6 worked through some of the longest matches of the season and was the definition of a good sport. "Her sportsmanship and the way she treats herself and her opponents is something that every coach loves to see and hopes to have," Marusarz added.
Sophomore Olivia Preston at No. 5 and freshman Victoria Maratea at No. 2 also contributed to this cohesive unit.
Marusarz boasts of this being one of his favorite teams to coach because of their hard work and positive attitudes all season. The team goal is always to take first in regionals, and he believes his crew can make it happen next year. He also wants to bring them back to an appearance at nationals. Now that recruiting and offseason prep has begun, he has to find a few replacements for his players moving on, but he will miss them.
"I wish the best of luck to Nada, Trisha, Amanda and Olivia. They have been some of the greatest players I have had the privilege of coaching. They all have bright futures ahead of them, and I am excited to see where they go from here," he said. "As for myself, I think in my first season at the college level, I did well. We ended the season 5-4 and took fourth place at regionals. This is a feat I am proud of. I will always be grateful for all the hard work and determination that my players gave on the court."