In his 23rd year as head coach of The University of Texas women's tennis team, Jeff Moore has established a program that is consistently ranked among the nation's best. The 2005 Longhorns return all six starters from last year's Big 12 regular-season champion squad and look to build upon that success this year. Recently, Moore took time to talk about the team's No. 11 preseason ranking, the maturity of the six returnees and his expectations for the season.
Your belief is that fall tennis is a time for training. What was your assessment of the fall tournament season?
Jeff Moore: This was as productive a fall as I've ever had at Texas. The players' focus, intensity and commitment were all at a high level. The foundation was laid for this group to do special things. The question now is, “to what extent will each individual player build upon that foundation?” What the team really needs is for individuals to break through into the ranks of the top players in college tennis. Depth is not an issue for this team. What we do need is more strength at the top of our lineup.
How does the team look heading into the first match of the spring season?
JM: Our singles players have progressed beautifully and they are ahead of schedule. Doubles, however, is lagging behind. They are playing more aggressively, but not yet decisively enough to dominate points, which is a requirement in doubles. Doubles is different from singles in that you want as many points as possible to be three shots or less, whereas in singles you have an opportunity to get into the point and build it.
The team is ranked 11th in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) preseason poll. Does this recognition put any pressure on the team?
JM: No. None of us have even talked about the ranking because it is based on the preseason. When, at the end of the season, you look back to the beginning, you will see that several teams were ranked too high and others were ranked too low. This year, more than any other that I can remember, tangible goals are not on our horizon - performance goals are. This team needs to establish itself as being able to perform at a high level. There is a great deal of parity in college tennis. We're looking for players who want to step up and rise above the masses of good player to become great ones.
This season, all six starters from last year's squad have returned. What differences have you seen in these players since last year?
JM: This team has really grown together. When they were all starters last year as freshmen and sophomores, there was a lot to learn and they went through that process together. As a group, they have matured tremendously and having to persevere through a difficult year has been an important part of that maturity.
How has Courtney Zauft, the lone freshman, adjusted to the demands of playing tennis at the collegiate level?
JM: Courtney has been terrific. You really don't know what you're going to get when you recruit someone, regardless of how much homework you have done. We knew she would be talented and good to work with, but she's been extraordinarily dedicated and very coachable.
What are your expectations for the season?
JM: I want the team to perform consistently at a high level. Instead of worrying about them, we need to focus on us. No matter what happens, however, I think this is going to be a good year because we have a great group of players.
