Sports Union April 2019 | Page 24

24 SportsUnion | APRIL 2019 college Tennis Success doesn’t come easy. It comes with a lot of hard work and determination. There is a lot of things that go into being a successful college athlete. The practice and preparation is the biggest key. By Matt Ondesko Managing Editor To have a successful career it means working harder than everyone else. Means working on your game when no one else is watching. Suc- cessful student-athletes do whatever it takes. For Daemen College wom- en’s tennis player Jessica Robins success has been a long time coming. The se- nior had a stellar career in high school and continued her success in college. She has been a steady force for the past four years while leading a young Daemen College tennis program. While the Wildcats have struggled this season, there has been one constant and that’s Robins. Her play on the court has given hope that this young Division II pro- gram can turn it around and start competing for titles. “We have a very small, young team this season, so my goal was mainly to en- courage them to look at the long term and to understand that they have so much time to improve, time I wish I still had,” stated Robins. “In three years, these girls could be levels better than they are now, and that’s something to keep in mind. Also, we now have Coach Kerry, who is an incredible resource.” You can say Robins and Daemen have both gone un- der a change for the good. Robins was always a solid player in high school, but her game improved even more in college. The program it- self is undergoing a change as long-time Division I coach Kerry McDermott has taken over the program. The addition of McDer- mott has helped invigorate the program and the players. “Kerry McDermott is not only an incredible coach, but a great person. He has so much experience and knowl- Hard saying goodBye edge, and he has helped my game in many ways. In just a few short months I’ve seen numerous improve- ments, not only in myself, but the whole team,” stated Robins. “I’ve been compet- ing at a higher level than I ever have before. Coach Ker- ry has helped me develop a lot more confidence in my game, which is so important for any player. Not only do I want to succeed for my team and myself, but for Coach Kerry. I feel very grateful to him for all he’s taught me in the short time I’ve known him.” Unfortunally, for Robins this is the only year she will have McDermott has he roach. After four years of be- ing a leader for the Wildcats Robins time is coming to an end. It is a bitter sweet end- ing for the senior. She has experienced so much during her tennis ca- reer and doesn’t want it to end. Robins also know’s it’s time to start the second half of he life. “The fact that this is my senior year has definitely weighed on my mind. It’s hard to keep those emotions suppressed because I can feel the clock ticking. As hard as