The women’s tennis team brought several new faces to the squad this year, including Stow Weiss, a freshman from Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown, Pennsylvania. Beginning her collegiate career back in October in ITA Regional Play, Weiss has accumulated some early success during the Hawks’ initial spring tournament.
The Hawks took on Siena College at Springton Tennis Club, but fell to their opponents 4-2 on Jan. 31. Despite the team’s loss, Weiss won in singles and doubles.
When Weiss came to St. Joe’s, she was unsure about what her role on the team would be.
“Everything was unexpected coming in, I didn’t really know my role,” Weiss said. “It’s nice to know I’m contributing.”
Weiss said she is excited for her future at St. Joe’s, noting the differences from high school play and college.
“Basically, the workouts are tougher,” Weiss said. “I can feel myself getting stronger than before,” I think it’s easier to focus on tennis and school at the same time because all my classes are in the morning.”
Weiss’ doubles partner, sophomore Alex Kramer, had nothing but good things to say about Weiss.
“She’s an amazing person, very mature for her age,” Kramer said. “She shows great leadership qualities for someone her age.”
Head Coach Ian Crookenden said he sees every match for Weiss as a way of improving, regardless of the outcome.
“The squads we’re going against are tough ones with far more experience than our young ones,” Crookenden said. “They need the experience against tough teams to grow as individuals, without reducing any competition.”
Crookenden and Weiss share a mutual respect for each other. Weiss even noted that Crookenden was one of the main reasons she chose St. Joe’s.
“Not only is he my tennis coach, he’s my personal coach too,” Weiss said. “Just the other week, he let me skip practice to study for a big test. He knows that academics come before athletics.”
Expectations for the season grow each day, with progress mounting in every practice and win, according to Kramer.
“The season is looking up,” Kramer said. “We’re winning in little ways every day. It’s going to get a lot better looking up from here.”
Weiss said she is excited to see what the team can accomplish this season.
“Our team is really strong and talented,” Weiss said. “We’re just getting the ball rolling with more team play and practice, and eventually the results will come in.”
