Girls’ tennis: new coach, new atmosphere, same successful team

Akron, OH— Following last week’s Sectionals, the Hoban Varsity Girls’ Tennis Team wrapped up another successful season, ending with a final record of 13-5 and all varsity members bringing home First Team NCL Honors.

Behind these accomplishments stand months of hard work, practice and dedication— along with hours spent in the weight room— which all lent themselves to the team’s overall success both on and off the court. The leading force behind the girls’ success and aforementioned dedication? New head coach, Jason Dzik.

A coach of nine years and a lifetime player himself, Dzik entered the position unsure of what to expect, as he mainly coached boys prior to this season.

“The water breaks were a lot longer and there was much more conversation— otherwise, it wasn’t as different as I initially anticipated,” Dzik said when asked to describe the coaching transition.

Evident through both the team’s accomplishments as well as the atmosphere described by his players, Dzik’s past skills in coaching and playing translated seamlessly to the field of girls’ tennis:

“Coach Dzik really taught and focused on the individual,” first singles varsity player Abby Griffith (‘19) said. “He assisted in teaching slices, rallies and consistency to each player, which are essential in tennis— he did a great job of working with each player and their different skills.”

“His method was very open,” added second doubles player Josie Savitski (‘19). “He focused on suggesting things rather than telling us, leaving a lot of decisions up to us.”

Dzik not only focused on the technical side of the sport, however; he also created and maintained an inclusive, encouraging and fun atmosphere.

“Once, in the van, the song ‘Bye, Bye, Bye’ by NSYNC came on and he [Dzik] knew all the lyrics and the accompanying dance,” said Griffith. “It was hilarious and very entertaining to watch!”

The environment created through a balance of encouragement and humor not only served as a bonding mechanism for the team, but also offered the players a much-needed break from the emotional strain and physical intensity that accompanies the sport:

“I tried my best to teach them how to handle the stress that comes from tennis— the mental side of the game,” Dzik said.

These efforts were not lost on the players, with the girls praising his dedication and steadying nature:

“He really kept us grounded this year, with mantras like ‘hit the damn ball’,” Savitski said.

“My favorite memory is winning NCL’s the day after Mum Day, even though we were all exhausted and extremely cranky,” added senior first doubles player Ellie Hoffman. “He [Coach Dzik] seemed so proud of us.”

True to the lively environment he succeeded in cultivating over the 2018-2019 season, when asked if he had any final thoughts, Coach Dzik— quick to get in one last joke— added without hesitation: “The problem with tennis players is that they always make a racquet.”

So, how could the season be described in one word?

“Memorable,” Savitski said.