The SUNY New Paltz tennis team achieved a remarkable milestone at the end of their fall 2024 season, finishing with an undefeated record that has secured their place as the No.1 seed in the SUNYAC conference, as the team did not drop a match to any SUNYAC competitor.
The Hawks concluded the season with a record of 7-0, dominating both conference and non-conference matches. This undefeated streak not only highlights the team’s talent, but greatly reflects the dedication and close-knit dynamic of the team.
The team played in the Union Tournament on Sept. 7 and 8 against the Garnett Chargers, St. Lawrence University and SUNY Oneonta, preparing them for their home opener on Sept. 13 against Manhattanville, which they won 6-1.
They then went on to play Plattsburgh, another SUNYAC team, sweeping them 7-0. The Hawks continued their streak into the next week, winning matches against Oneonta on Sept. 18 and Bard College on Sept. 20, 7-0. From Oct. 3 to Oct. 5, they competed against Fredonia, Oswego and Cortland, all SUNYAC competitors, and won every match.
“The match against Oswego was a big match as both teams came in to the match with undefeated records,” said Robert Bruley, SUNY New Paltz tennis team’s coach. This pressure didn’t stop the Hawks, as they ended their season undefeated and set a new school record for not dropping a single game to any conference opponent. Their final match of the season against Cortland scored them the No. 1 seed for the conference championships in the spring.
“We all want each other to do well and succeed because we care so much about each other. This paired with our constant winning mentality and aggressiveness on the court is our recipe for success. When this team puts our mind to something there is no stopping until we achieve it,” said Isabel Van der Veen, the team’s senior captain and four-year starter.
The team’s dedication not just to their sport but to each other, along with their non-stop training is what makes them strong. “We work a lot on team building through our tactical play. We have a certain way we like to play at New Paltz. I expect a high work ethic at both practice and game day: A never give up attitude,” said Bruley, who has been coaching the New Paltz tennis team for 28 years.
Because the tennis team has a split season, meaning conference play in the fall and conference championships in the spring, their eyes must be on the prize at all times, as how they play in the first half of their season affects the second half. “Our coach always challenges us in the spring so, that when we head into the conference championships, we are as prepared as possible,” said Van der Veen.
“Our goals moving forward are always one match at a time and to focus on what we can control,” said Bruley. In their upcoming spring season, their goal is to continue their victory by winning the conference championship and representing SUNY New Paltz at the NCAA National Tennis championship.
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