Newsletter - Nazareth College

NAZARETH
TENNIS NEWS
VOLUME II,
ISSUE 9
FEBRUARY
2016
Men’s tennis does it again!
The 2015-2016 Nazareth Tennis Teams
Top Row: (Left to Right) Lamar Hurt, Tyler Williams, Christian Bryant,
Louis Rogers, Brian Rosiek, Scott Trobert, Jake Warren, Jared Sharza,
Ryley Amond, Coach Paul Waida, Bottom Row: (Left to Right) Carlee
Hastings, Allie Friends, Aliana Burgos, Jeanie McCarthy, Ami Petosa, Liz
Karstedt, Marisa Joyce, Lindsey Crawford, Kaitlin LaFlamme.
The Women’s Fall Season 2015
Page 2
by Allie Friends
The women had a remarkable season this past fall with
an overall record of 7-3 and 7-1 in E8 matches. The only
loss being to Ithaca College, who went on to win the E8
title. The women were seeded second in the E8 conference, which was a huge accomplishment for the team.
Nazareth hosted the Empire 8 conference this year and
placed third after a tough loss to Stevens, a team they
had beaten in their regular season. Although their last
match was close, the women were still ecstatic about
their finish to their fun and successful season.
In addition to their outstanding season, the team placed five of their players on the All- Conference Teams and had a representative from the team as Nazareth’s Sportswomen of the Year.
Senior and Captain, Ami Petosa earned All- Conference honors for both singles and doubles
along with freshmen partner Marissa Joyce. Fellow freshmen, myself, Allison Friends and Liz
Karstedt were recognized for their accomplishments at number 2 and number 6 singles, both
with 7-1 records. Carlee Hastings, Junior, earned both an All- Conference honor and the distinct honor of being named Nazareth College’s Sportswomen of the Year, proving herself to be
a competitor with honor and integrity. This is an essential part of being an athlete in the Empire 8 conference and at Nazareth College.
The women look forward to their annual Spring Break trip to Hilton Head to kick off their
spring season!
The Men’s 2016 Spring Season by Tyler Williams
Coming off of a rebuilding year where many key
starters graduated, the Men’s tennis team rallied, but
was edged out of the Empire 8 tournament in 2015.
Heading into the 2016 spring season, Men’s tennis
has set their sights on returning to the Empire 8
Tournament where they belong. This years roster is
stacked with experience as the Men’s tennis team
boasts five seniors in their starting lineup. Scott
Trobert -Volley-master, the hard-hitting Jared Sharza, steadfast Christian Bryant, and leading the way are senior captains Brian Rosiek and Tyler
Williams. With a host of seasoned veterans accompanied by key returners Jake Warren and
Louis Rogers and promising young talent from Freshman newcomers Lamar Hurt and Ryley
Amond, the Men’s tennis team has high hopes for this season.
Page 3
2015 Empire 8 Women’s Honors
Allison Friends
“First Team”
All Conference
Singles
Ami Petosa
“Second Team “
All Conference
Singles
and Doubles
Marisa Joyce
Elizabeth Karstedt
Carlee Hastings
“Second Team”
All Conference
Doubles
“Honorable
Mention”
All Conference
E8
“Sportswoman”
of the Year”
2015 Empire 8 Men’s Honors
Tyler Williams
Brian Rosiek
”Second Team”
All Conference
Singles
E8 “Sportsman”
of the Year
Recognizing the Captains
Page 4
Captain Appreciation (Women) By Maeve Morgan
(Left to Right) Tyler Williams, Ami
Petosa, Liz Crane, & Brian Rosiek.
Captain Appreciation (Men)
By Christian Bryant
Page 5
Freshmen’s Perspective
By Liz Karstedt
My freshman year at Nazareth College has been both exciting and challenging. I had no idea what to expect going off to college; let alone what it would be like to play a
collegiate sport. However, coming from a small town in
Western New York, made the close-knit community of
Nazareth a perfect situation for me.
On the first day of preseason I was terrified because I had no clue what to expect from double practices. After that first day of practicing was completed, I
was extremely exhausted but even more excited to have worked so hard.
When the first week of preseason concluded, I had more pride in myself than
ever before. It was a great feeling making it through those strenuous and
draining practices with my new family. There were five of us freshman and we
were each welcomed graciously by the upperclassman on the team. I’m especially thankful to have my two captains, Ami Petosa and Jeanie McCarthy to
look up to as leaders and role models.
Coming in as a freshman, I was so honored to have earned a spot on the Women’s Tennis team with such amazing girls and coaches. We all new how to
work together and push each other to do our best. I believe that is what led us
to having such a great fall season where we were ranked second in the Empire
8 Conference. Even more impressive, five members of the team were awarded
all conference awards and honorable mentions.
Looking back now, I loved preseason. It was the time where I got to settle in
before all the other students moved into the dorms. It was also the time where
I was becoming a part of an amazing team. Most importantly, it was the time
where I truly got to feel like I was figuring out who I was as an athlete and as a
person. Coaches, Paul Waida and Jeremey Mancus, turned me into a whole
new player by teaching me new skills and strategies for my tennis game. I am
so grateful to be a member of the Nazareth Women’s Tennis team and I look
forward to this upcoming Spring season.
Artistic Tradition:
PAGE 6PAGE 6
”Coach’s Creations”
Matt Jennings - “Pirate/Gamer” Award
Often referred to as “The Pirate” by his teammates, Matt Jennings was famous for gaming
and infamous for his pirate-like swagger. Matt’s
award drew inspiration from both elements.
“Tennis Pirate III” (Dorm room Edition) embodies
the spirit of Matt’s four year journey on the
Men’s tennis team. Ship off & Game on Matt!
Artistic Tradition:
PAGE 7
”Coach’s Creations”
Adrienne Sharza:
“I’m a little High Strung” Award
Artistic Tradition:
Page 8
”Coach’s Creations”
Liz Crane
“ She Elevated Her Team by Example” Award
As acting Captain on the Women’s team, Liz Crane was a
shining example of what a good team member should be.
On and off the court, Liz was instrumental in all aspects of
team activity. She played hard, cheered hard, and worked
hard for four years. Coach Waida paid tribute to this hard
working Crane with a hard
working crane of her own.
Thanks for lifting your
team up Liz!
Senior Recognition
Page 9
Parting Words from Nazareth Teammates
Ami Petosa
It is my honor to send you on your way as an upcoming graduate of the Nazareth College Class of 2016. Thank you for always being a great captain, role model, student,
and someone I consider a best friend. It’s going to be extremely hard to not have you
by my side next year. However, I certainly won’t miss any of the “silly team” jokes
from Coach Paul and Jeremy.
For those of you who may not know Ami Petosa, she is the senior captain of our women’s tennis team and held the spot of third singles in this past 2015-2016 fall season.
She is also in her fourth year of the Occupational Therapy program here at Nazareth.
Ami has been on the team since her freshman year and has been a captain for two
years. On our tennis team, Ami is known as “Lil’ Ami Petosa”. She’s known for her
smiley personality and bright energy she brings to practices. In her tennis matches,
opponents know Ami for her fighting persistence and strong-willed heart. Throughout
my whole tennis career, I’ve never seen someone play as many close matches and tiebreakers as Ami Petosa.
Every time I would hear that someone on our team was in a tiebreaker during a match, it was almost always
Ami. This past fall season, Ami held a 6-1 record in the Empire 8 Conference. She also earned second-team honors from Empire 8, for the second time in her career. With the help of Ami’s leadership, our team placed 3rd
overall in the Empire 8 Championships. On behalf of the whole Women’s Tennis Team, we’re going to miss you
more than you know Ami! I still remember meeting Brian during freshman orientation in the Lourdes dining
hall. Almost instantly we became great friends. Not long after that Brian earned himself the nickname of the
“sponge” after hitting in the racquetball
courts with a foam tennis ball to work on
Brian Rosiek by Scott Trobert
I still remember meeting Brian during freshman orientation in the Lourdes dining hall. Almost
instantly we became great friends. Not long after that Brian earned himself the nickname of the
“sponge” after hitting in the racquetball courts with a foam tennis ball to work on his strokes.
As many know, Brian is probably one of the hardest working players that has ever played on
the Nazareth College men’s tennis team. In addition to putting in long hours on the court
working to improve his serve, Brian would also go to the gym nearly every day of the week
during the fall semester. Through all of his hard work and determination, Brian has gone from
not starting as a freshman to playing at second doubles and third singles in the lineup this year.
Brian has also been an amazing leader for the Nazareth College men’s tennis team. He may have been surprised when
coach selected him to be a captain as a sophomore, but I wasn’t. His ability to motivate people and drive them to
achieve even more than they thought was possible made him the perfect person for the job. In addition to being a great
leader, Brian has also excelled in the classroom during his time at Nazareth. While double majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies with a minor in Environmental Studies he consistently earned high enough grades to be recognized on the Dean’s and President’s Lists. Furthermore, Brian has developed a strong professional demeanor while at
Nazareth which has led to an internship with Mohawk Global Logistics during his senior year. Lastly, Brian has also
mastered the art of public speaking and was selected to give a speech at the Association of American Colleges & Universities 2016 annual meeting in Washington D.C.
Brian has had an amazing student-athlete career at Nazareth College. Through hard work and dedication he has been
able to not only succeed as a vital member and captain of the men’s tennis team, but he has also already begun achieving his goals in the professional world. His leadership, hard-work, and class will certainly always be remembered by
his fellow teammates. On behalf of the tennis team, I wish Brian nothing but success in all of his future endeavors.
PAGE 10
Senior Recognition
Parting Words from Nazareth Teammates
Christian Bryant
Building from his great success from 2014, senior Christian Bryant
carried his momentum into 2015. Proving to be an integral part of
the Men’s tennis team, Bryant recorded an impressive 4 singles
wins in the Empire 8 for the Golden Flyers. This included an impressive 7-5 6-1 victory over Juniata’s Max Weiss during the
Men’s tennis team’s annual Hilton Head Trip. Playing mostly at
4th singles, Bryant used his rock-steady game to wear down his
opponents until he secured victory for his team. Although Christian has had success on the court, where he really shines is off the
court. As a fiercely loyal friend and teammate, he is integral in keeping the moral on
this team high. Christian always brings a positive attitude and motivating energy to his
teammates, and it has been a huge part of the teams success.
Jared Sharza by Christian Bryant
I first met you in the the summer of 2014 just before
you began at Nazareth College. I recall playing a tie
breaker against you and I my first impression was that
you had high energy and it would be welcome on the
team. You ended up not only bringing that energy, but
you also brought a passion for the game along with a
quick wit laden with comical remarks. You have come
to be the comedian on the team but know when to get
serious. You are not only a teammate on the court but
a brother off. You are someone that anyone could go
to can go and trust that you would help you out without question. You are a workhorse and your drive to succeed will surely
prove to be of great worth to you throughout your life. I hope that you
enjoy your senior season on the tennis court and take it for all it is
worth. I have realized how thankful I am for this team and school, as I
am sure you are too, even if it was for just two short years. Thank you
for being a great teammate and great friend. Cheers to all the rays we
take in at Hilton Head as seniors, all of the wins we will tally during the
season, and all of the memories we will make.
PAGE 11
Senior Recognition
Parting Words from Nazareth Teammates
Lindsey Crawford
When the team needed her most in the fall of 2014, Lindsey joined the Nazareth Women’s
team. Lindsey immediately took on the challenge of playing in the first doubles position alongside Adrienne Sharza. She had amazing strokes and really impressed Coach Paul right out of
the gate. Although she was a transfer, Lindsey instantly became a part of the Nazareth tennis
family. Since that time, Lindsey has worked hard to improve her skills and designate herself as
a key component to the team. Lindsey also worked hard academically and excelled as a Business Management major. While on the team, Lindsey was able to juggle classes and an internship effortlessly. I had the pleasure of meeting Lindsey on our first day of pre-season; we became friends right away. Since then, Lindsey has always been there for me. She was someone I
could go to for almost anything, whether I was upset and just needed someone to talk to, or if I
was sick, she would tend to me. Lindsey also cared for all of us on the tennis team, and would do her best to help out the
freshman to make their initiation on the Nazareth tennis team easier. In addition to being dedicated to the team, Lindsey
was also dedicated to her community. Lindsey would jump at the opportunity to help others and was always the first to
sign up for volunteer events. She participated in every volunteer activity that arose such as the American Cancer Society
5k, Lollipop Farm’s Christmas event, and the soup kitchen. Even though Lindsey’s time on the tennis team was short, she
will always be a part of the Nazareth tennis family.
Scott Trobert by Brian Rosiek
Recapping the role and impact senior Scott Trobert has had on the Nazareth College Men’s Tennis Team is no easy task. Just like the numerous nicknames Scott
has endured from Coach Paul (i.e. Gazebo Boy, Grazer, Soddy T, Volley Master,
etc.), he has had various and significant impacts on our program. I have had the
pleasure to be teammates and roommates with Scott throughout our college careers and he has become one of my closest friends. Throughout Scott’s time at
Nazareth College he has always pursued greatness and success no matter the
task. This unmatched determination has enhanced and flourished Scott’s academic program from an undeclared freshman to a senior double major in accounting
and economics with a minor in finance. His academic success in no way stops
here. Scott has consistently made the Dean’s and President’s list, often scoring a
4.0 GPA, and has joined multiple collegiate honor societies. As if his accomplishments in the classroom were not enough, Scott has interned with The Bonadio group, volunteered for Refugees Helping Refugees, tutored accounting, economics, and finance
students, employed as a student ambassador for Becker Professional Education, all while holding multiple work study positions on campus. This outstanding college and initial professional career is only
the beginning for Scott, as he is planning to attend graduate school this fall to achieve an MS in accounting. Scott has somehow achieved all of this success and responsibility while holding a critical
spot on our tennis team. He has been a starter since his freshman year and constantly works on his
game and fitness to best support the team. He has incredible crosscourt baseline groundstrokes, supplementing with precise volleys, which are sure to put any opponent on the run. Unfortunately, Scott
endured a significant shoulder injury early on in his career, often forcing him to alter his game in order to compensate. What is truly inspiring is just how hard Scott pushes through to complete (and often win) matches he is not 100% in. Aside from his in-match actions, Scott is consistently one of the
hardest workers during practices and the offseason. He has become one of the defining faces of this
program that will surely miss his tenacious work ethic and competitive spirit. On behalf of the Nazareth Tennis Program, I wish Scott the very best in all of his future endeavors and hope he knows just
how much of an impression he has left on this college and team.
PAGE 12
Senior Recognition
Parting Words from Nazareth Teammates
Tyler Williams
Tyler Williams is an anomaly when in it comes to college athletics. Unlike most walkons, who just want to be a part of the team, Williams excelled as an athlete in his four
years and became a mainstay as an Empire 8 Conference All-Star. Williams grew up on
the farms of Pal-Mac, practicing his strokes against a barn and milking cows to improve
fine motor skills. Little did he know that one day he would star as a Division III student
athlete at Nazareth College. Following a successful high school career, Williams took a
brief hiatus from tennis. But he did not miss a beat as he joined the Nazareth Tennis
team in the spring of 2012. Immediately the team was injected with Williams’s youth
and exuberance. In his freshmen year, Williams paired with senior standout Ryan
McCormick as Empire 8 First Team Doubles All Stars. In his tennis tenure, Williams
has been honored as an Empire 8 Conference All Star each year, making him one of the
most successful players in Nazareth Tennis history. He is a two-year captain, and has always been one of the
leaders in terms of total time on court. In his spare time, Williams enjoys hauling slate rock and healthy eating.
Williams will graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration in May of 2016, at which time he hopes to work
in Rochester. From the farm to the tennis courts, Williams has had quite a ride. When he enters the workforce, he
might be viewed as a “walk-on”—but that matters little to Williams. He is ready to take on the world with youth,
charm, and a blistering forehand.
Attention Alumni-Donor S.O.S!
This year more than ever we are desperately relying on your donations to keep our program in tack. This could be
the last year that we are able to continue our spring training trip to Hilton Head Island, SC. As with most institutes of higher education, Nazareth College has experienced a downturn in their enrollment, especially for graduate classes which has affected out budgets dramatically. We now need to rely on fundraising dollars to close the
gap. We are looking to our alum more than ever to keep the program that they were are part of and enjoyed so
much, going!
Every dollar that we can raise goes directly to maintain the continuity of the program and we do appreciate even
the smallest donation.
Please continue to support us if you can and if you have yet donated to the team, please make this the first year
that you do. We, the coaching staff, want to continue the traditions of excellence that this program is famous for.
To make a gift to Naz athletics visit: www.naz.edu/makeagift
Thank You!