This past week has been tough on the team but today is beautiful and each is doing what they need to prepare for the next onslaught of matches. Some of the guys have actually had a spring break since they are not in the starting group on a day to day basis. These guys are still valuable assets to the program because they offer variety to practice. Different personalities, playing styles, and that continual voice that says, “Hey buddy, if you screw up I’m here to take your place.” I run a large roster and do my best to make each player feel that they are important daily. It is often a hard balance because, of course, I must focus some time just to the players that are going through the match battles but those guys who fight to be on the team are an amazing bunch. There is no promise of playing time but they train, hit, do extra work, and are part of the fabric that makes our team so special. They get beat on and on occasion do the beating. Those moments are special for the entire team because it shows that hard work does pay off.
Connor Angell is one of those players who doesn’t get as much playing time as, I am sure, he hopes. He is what we would call a local boy. Hailing from Sebring he came to FSC as the top dog from his high school. I got him because Florida Southern has the program he wanted to study, the size school he wanted, and he had the opportunity to be on the men’s tennis team. To say his tennis is unique would be an understatement. He is 6’4”, lean, and very quiet. His strokes are at times awkward but over the past two years have become effective. He plays with an air of aloofness but I’ve come to realize that is a mirage. He is quite coy and deep down is one heck of a competitor. He is not one of the top guys but goes toe to toe when asked. His unique game throws off his teammates and offers a good challenge to those he is paired with for the particular drill. Having Connor around is also calming. He rarely, if at all, gets frazzled visually while playing and will do whatever it is you ask. Connor is a workhorse in the gym and is still getting better with footwork as a player on court.
Being well like by his teammates is one of his best qualities. His freshman year he was a bit standoffish but not in a bad way. He just marches to his own drummer and had his own friends who were not tennis players. This year he was able to sneak into one of the apartments with two other players and that has changed everything. He is one of the go to guys for hanging out and if there is something to go and do he is there. I know last season he had an opportunity to play in an exhibition match and most of the team chose to watch his match instead of the actual match being played. All his buddies want him to succeed and are happy for his continued growth. As a coach, I enjoy having Connor on the team and look forward to the rest of this season and the next two as well.
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