Freshman Tennis Player Credits Teammates for Memorable Season; Calls DePauw "A Big Family"

July 2, 2003

July 2, 2003, Greencastle, Ind. - "There was one factor that help carry former Geneva tennis player Alex Nelson through her freshman season at DePauw University," begins a story in today's edition of Illinois' Kane County Chronicle. "'It was my teammates,' Nelson said. 'Whether it was helping me get through a tough match or the 14-hour drive from Indiana to Atlanta for a tournament. It was so much fun. Everybody picked everybody else up.' Nelson, a 2002 Geneva High School graduate, was one of seven freshmen that competed for the Tigers this spring. (photo by Marilyn E. Culler)

Nelson tells the newspaper's Chris James, "Everyone on the team was good, so the competition in practice each day was tough. I think we drove each other to be the best we could." James notes, "Nelson benefited from that environment in a big way. She compiled a record of 17-4 at the No. 4 singles spot and finished with an overall singles record of 27-9. She also played No. 2 doubles with partner Jill Anderson and turned in a record of 25-11. Nelson helped the Tigers to the their best season in the school's history. DePauw set a school record with 25 wins and qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships in California. The Tigers were knocked out of the tournament in the national quarterfinals, losing to Amherst 5-4 in a dual meet. The team finished the season ranked No. 6 in Division III national rankings and No. 1 in the central region."

Nelson adds, "I think we even surprised ourselves a little bit. We were out there having fun and not thinking about what a huge match we were playing in. We didn't feel much pressure." The article notes that Nelson's "favorite thing about DePauw" is, "The people and atmosphere at the school. It's like a big family."

You can read the story in its entirety at the Chronicle Web site by clicking here. Learn more about the DePauw women's tennis program here.

Back