Resiliently fun – the opposites that attract within TCU men’s tennis.
Those two words, neither of which typically belongs with the other, have come together to create some Horned Frog magic at the Bayard H. Freeman tennis center.
Resilience is defined as the ability to get back up after being knocked down, showcasing mental and physical toughness and stemming from an event that typically isn’t seen as “fun.”
The resilience that TCU men’s tennis has shown so far, however, is fully encapsulated in an adjective that highlights the matches from the season so far – fun.
This starts at the coaching level. Head coach David Roditi and assistant coaches Devin Bowen and Steven Forman have done phenomenally at creating an environment that holds players accountable for their game but allows them to have fun doing so.
“Coach Roditi has obviously been building and preparing us for matches,” said freshman Duncan Chan. “But he’s always joking around and making the environment fun.”
The coaching, however, isn’t the only thing that creates the supportive climate of this team. Each player holds one another accountable, supporting each other through the treacherous ups and downs of collegiate tennis.
“It’s weird because tennis is such an individual sport,” said junior Luke Swan. “We get an opportunity to come to college and be part of a team that means so much and develop an incredible culture.”
Even when their teammates are down, seeing how they constantly support and uplift one another during matches showcases the love that they have for one another.
“Us as players, just being together and being there for each other no matter what,” said Swan. “That’s what makes the difference.”
Being surrounded by tennis players of all abilities is difficult. Egos can get in the way, personalities can clash and a team dynamic can fall flat on its face.
While this does happen frequently – the Horned Frogs are immune.
“I’m in an environment now where I have so many incredible players around me,” said Swan, “that I know that I have to be humble enough to realize that these guys are better than me, but still trying to help out in as many ways as possible.”
This constant support from one another and the love that is shared between these passionate Horned Frog tennis players truly manifests itself into one word – fun.
“I have no other words than just fun,” said Chan. “These guys around me make it such a great experience. Everyone is great friends and we cheer each other on like we’re brothers.”
This culture is changing – there are new personalities on the team that mesh perfectly with the veterans that have been Horned Frogs for many years prior.
“We have a bunch of really good guys,” said head coach David Roditi. “We have some edginess, which helps get through the tough matches, but there isn’t a guy on our team that I wouldn’t take over and over and over and over.”
