For Waynesburg University’s women’s tennis head coach Ron Headlee, the 2018 season represented a year of growth for a young team.

“I definitely thought as the year went on we started to play better,” said Headlee. “I thought the girls started to gain more confidence and I think we took a step forward.”

The Yellow Jackets finished the campaign with two wins, which is one more win than they had the previous season. With only one senior on this year’s team, the Jackets are already looking forward to next season with some younger girls set to return.

“Natalie Johnston is our only senior,” said Headlee. “Kylie Schmidt was a freshman, playing in the No. 1 spot for us. I was proud of her for staying within herself and giving her best effort. This was the first full year for Lauren Wadsworth as well. We have a young team.”

Headlee believes that having this young team stay together, as well as hopefully adding some recruits, will pay off with more wins next year.

“I’m hoping that we can at least double our win total next year,” said Headlee. “I’m talking to some recruits that can hopefully come in and add some depth to this roster and make the team stronger.”

Co-captain Noelle Hughes said that she felt her game took a step in the right direction this year and hopes that her senior season can be even better.

“I definitely think that I improved over the course of the season,” said Hughes. “There were some close matches this year that we weren’t able to get over the hump in. I think we can learn from those losses and get better from them.”

Hughes credited Headlee for keeping the team focused and for always keeping a positive attitude that the team could feed off of.

“Since coach Headlee has been here, the team has really improved overall,” said Hughes. “I know for me personally, [Headlee] is always keeping me focused on the next point and telling me not to get frustrated or get in my own head.”

With most of the team returning next year, Hughes believes that the team chemistry will be something that can help the win total.

“I’m excited about the doubles pairings returning,” said Hughes. “I think you could tell the last few matches of the year we were playing a lot better. Having that consistency and playing together will be a big plus.”

Hughes is hopeful that the team will get a chance to hit the courts together a little bit during the long winter.

“If we get some nice days in the offseason, I’ll text some of the girls and see if they want to get out and hit,” said Hughes. “Hopefully the weather allows us to do that this year. I have a workout and conditioning schedule I make for myself. The team is very close, if I go to the gym I always text them and ask if anybody would like to come with me.”

Headlee said the work ethic on this team is second to none and he is looking forward to seeing it pay off next year.

“As far as attitude and willingness to work, this team is as good as any I’ve coached,” said Headlee. “I love going to practice with this team every day. I’m looking forward to getting this group back and working with them next year.”