Turning the Tides: Green Tennisters vie for a podium finish this S86

Reflecting on the past season, Captain EJ Geluz openly acknowledged dissatisfaction with the team’s performance. This sentiment, however, is shared by almost every Lasallian team last season as they grappled with the challenges of adapting to a post-pandemic environment. But beyond the shared struggles, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tennisters are now more determined than ever to unleash their Animo Spirit and turn difficulties into victories. This team is getting ready to shake things up and challenge what we usually expect from the tennis court.

Taking Charge

Entering his third year, Geluz found himself unexpectedly stepping into some very big shoes this season. Drawing inspiration from his upperclassmen, he emphasized the crucial mantra of unwavering focus, stating, “Mas ok na mas maikli yung training mo pero focused ka, kesa naman kapag mahaba nga training mo pero wala ka natutunan.”

Amidst the team dynamics, one of the players to watch out for would be Brysl Libao. Having competed in the NCAA Men’s Tennis Individual Championships in the United States, Libao is a highly promising addition to the team. With all the promising rookies like Libao, Geluz proclaimed that “Lahat ng teams sa UAAP malakas pero palaban naman yung team namin.”

Despite their rigorous training regimen, the Green Tennisters also encountered challenges, particularly in securing a suitable training ground for the upcoming season. After their seven to nine formal training at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, individual efforts are made to locate other available tennis courts for additional practice. In instances where this proves impossible, the captain revealed that the team resorts to jogging as an alternative means to stay physically engaged.

Testing The Waters

Pre-season tennis tournaments often don’t get the same spotlight as other mainstream sports in the country, but the team recently made a splash in one noteworthy event. The team recently took part in the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Open, an annual tennis tournament that draws athletes from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao vying for top honors. Although the tournament is an individual event, Geluz and Co-captain RJ Virrey highlighted its significant benefits in exposing them to the caliber of athletes they are likely to encounter in the upcoming season.

Hitting The Mark

With tennis matches often stretching up to two hours, along with the challenging Philippine weather conditions, it’s no surprise that tennis players must undergo rigorous training to prepare their bodies for these grueling game days. However, Geluz emphasized that it’s not just about physical endurance–mental resilience is equally paramount in the sport. In the game of tennis, where strategic decisions and focus play a pivotal role, having strong mental endurance is a non-negotiable aspect of their training regimen.

“Kung wala yung mental, wala, hindi mo mape-perform yung best mo every game”, Geluz stated. To which Virrey added, “As a team, andun na yung tennis skills, pero wala siyang kwenta if wala kang endurance”.

When asked about their edge over other UAAP teams, beyond their charismatic presence, the Green Tennisters proudly point to their distinguished coach, Coach Roland Kraut. According to the captain, having a coach, whose track record includes guiding the De La Salle University to a series of UAAP championships, both for the men’s and women’s teams, on their side is a massive game-changer. Coach Kraut is also the first Filipino tennis coach to attain an ITF Level 3 certification from the International Tennis Federation, the highest coaching level achievable. This distinction places Coach Kraut among the elite few, with fewer than 20 coaches holding this certification in Asia.

Fulfilling Promises

With these weapons in their arsenal, the Green Tennisters are emerging as a compelling force to watch out for this UAAP Season 86. Virrey affirms, “Lalaban kami syempre, hindi pwedeng hindi. Sana magpatuloy suporta nila (the Lasallian community) sa amin.”

Get ready to witness the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Tennisters back in action as they face the Ateneo Men’s Tennis Team in their season opener this February 17, 7:30 AM at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.

February 18, 11 AM — DLSU vs UE
February 21, 7:30 AM — DLSU vs AdU
February 24, 2:30 PM — DLSU vs UST
February 25, 11 AM — DLSU vs NU
February 28, 7:30 AM — DLSU vs UP