WOMEN’S TENNIS COACH
|
|
Roster | Schedule | Women's Tennis Homepage
|
Coach Bill Ryall is in his tenth
season at the helm of the Lady Grenadiers. He holds an impressive
career record of 773-153 and an IUS record of 268-44. Ryall has
transformed the women's program into not only a Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference power, but also a national tennis force. The Lady Grenadiers
were ranked 17th and closed last season ranked 26th in the NAIA (Small
College Division) in the nation. Since the introduction of women's
tennis ten years ago, the Lady Grenadiers have produced seven KIAC conference
championships, two time conference runner-ups, won the 2001, 2005 and 2006
regional championships, runner-up in the NAIA regional in 2002, 2003, 2004 and made three appearances at the NAIA national
championships. Amy Bogard, Barbel Schoenenberger, Grace Wilhoite and Tyla Wells have
earned "All American" honors while playing at IUS. Coach Bill
Ryall was named the KIAC "Coach of the Year" in 1998, 1999, 2000,
2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Ryall also received NAIA Region XII "Coach of
the Year" honors in 2001, 2005 and 2006. Coach Ryall's thoughts: This year's team has the potential to
be another great IUS team. Jenni Townsend, a senior
and ITA Scholastic All-American, is much stronger at #1 singles and #1
doubles. Jenni was the runner-up in singles and
doubles at this year's ITA Regional tournament. Jillian Becher
is playing #2 singles and combines with Townsend at #1 doubles. Jillian
reached the semifinals in singles and was the runner-up in doubles at the
Midwest Regional tournament. Jessica Pfeiffer is much improved and has
moved up from #5 to # 3 singles. Freshman Britta
Oliver at #4 singles has performed to the expectations of Coach Ryall.
Oliver is destined to become a top college player. She is paired with Nikki
Cannon at #3 doubles. Cannon is one of the most consistent singles
players on the squad. Jenna Richie, sophomore, has really progressed as
a singles player and is a solid performer at #6 singles. Richie and
Pfeiffer make up the #2 doubles team and reached the semifinals in the
Midwest ITA tournament. Veteran Leigh Butke,
senior, has played at #1 doubles, #2 doubles and #6 singles and delivered
winning performances. Sophomore transfer, Meg Doan and freshman Megan
Hibbard round out this year's team. With the conclusion of an outstanding
fall season, 9-1, the Lady Grenadiers will focus their sights on preparing
for the KIAC conference tournament and the NAIA regional and national
championships in the spring. |