Tennis

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All About the Players

Anonymous — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Anthony Pham on Coaching CU Tennis: It's All About the Players Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 07/16/2024 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Anthony Pham was named Colorado tennis associate head coach in February 2021 and head coach just five months later. Since then, the team has seen a remarkable program turnaround, and they’ve become like family.

What attracted you to Colorado?

We were living in Madison, Wisconsin, and it was the thick of COVID. We were trying to figure out where to live long term. The opportunity at CU was fate. My wife is a CU graduate. When she heard about the coach opening, she said we needed to jump at it. I've never met anyone who went to CU and had a negative experience. And with the tennis program, there was so much potential.

Quickly after arriving, you became the seventh head coach in program history. How did that change your responsibilities and relationships?

I was previously a head coach at a small Division 1 school. Coaching at a mid-major compared to a Power 5 school, budgets and responsibilities are different, but that job prepared me a lot. You have to gain the players’ trust, and they have to know you always have their best interests in mind. Getting the opportunity to become head coach is something I don’t take lightly. As head coach, you’re scheduling, recruiting, doing everything an assistant coach does, but it’s tenfold. The number-one priority doesn’t change. It’s all about the players.

How do you find good people, not just good players?

We try to be as thorough as possible. The team is an extended part of my family. We spend so much time with these players. On a small team, one person can upset the balance. In terms of recruiting, we visit with them and their family. We talk to their coaches and other coaches. There are a lot of good tennis players, but there aren’t as many tennis players who are also good people and good students.

What goes into building a competitive Power 5 conference tennis program?

We focus on development. We find people for whom the best tennis is still ahead. Kids start playing tennis early, and sometimes they burn out. We want student-athletes who want to keep improving, to be part of a program that is making headway and doing things that haven’t been done before.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I empower players to know that when they play, they are prepared. They are going to compete in a first-class manner. We want to win like crazy, but it’s not all about winning. It’s about doing the right things every day. You can’t really control winning and losing, but you can control a lot of variables that go into winning. Obviously, if we don’t have success, we reassess some things and try again.

Can you coach players during matches?

If you go to a normal junior tournament as a coach, you’re not allowed to coach at all. You can only cheer. But with college, it’s completely different. We can sit on the sideline with our players and talk to them at every changeover. You have to know when to talk, which buttons to push and when to keep your mouth shut if your player is rolling.

How are the fall and spring seasons different?

Spring is the championship season. It’s when we play our dual and conference matches. Fall is shorter. It’s our developmental season. We bring a player in, and we will make some minor adjustments to their game. We start setting our standards, creating expectations with players, building the bond within the team. In the fall, we’re giving them two or three things to focus on. And the hope is when the spring season comes around, those things that were uncomfortable in the fall are now strengths.

What stands out to you about CU Athletics?

It starts at the top. Rick George is the most personal athletic director I’ve been around. At matches, he’s fired up, he knows all the players, and all the players know him. And we have great academic support, nutrition, trainers, an amazing strength coach. CU offers the best of three worlds: great location, great academics, top-notch athletics.

Can you speak to what college tennis offers that differs from training academies or private coaching?

Tennis is a very individual sport. Growing up, if you’re playing a tournament, it’s usually you and your coach or a parent. College is completely different. You’re on a team, and everyone is committed. The more you improve as individuals, the more it helps the team. When we play a match, there’s energy from court to court. Your teammates are pumping you up, supporting you. When you’re playing a tournament by yourself, whether you win or lose affects maybe a couple people. With college tennis, there are so many others affected.

What’s something you like to do off the court?

I love spending time with my wife and son. They come to all our matches, they’re great supporters. Whether I’m with our team here or my family at home, that's where I find the most enjoyment.

Interview by Andrew Daigle.

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Photos by Glenn Asakawa

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Making Tennis Sustainable

Anonymous — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Making Tennis Sustainable Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 11/06/2023 - 00:00

Christina Fang

Ryan Burbary (Acct, Fin’22) is owner of Velociti Tennis, a Boulder-based company committed to limiting single-use plastics and incorporating biodegradable technologies for products. In 2022, Burbary created the world’s first fully biodegradable synthetic tennis string, which he hopes will reduce the thousands of pounds of tennis string that end up in landfills each year.

Why did you choose to work in the tennis industry?

My dad owns tennis retail stores, so I grew up around tennis my whole life. I’ve seen the waste that happens. Whether it’s cutting out strings, putting a new grip on a racket or throwing tennis balls away, I knew there had to be a better way. Biodegradability seemed to be the best way to do it. People realistically won’t completely change their buying habits for sustainability. But if it’s an added benefit to the products they already enjoy, there is a better chance of making
a difference.

What was the process of making the string like?

Growing up, I accumulated knowledge on the materials used to create tennis products. During this time, I found an additive in other manufacturing industries that makes their products biodegradable. I made the connection that this additive could be used in the tennis industry. Once our factory implemented the additive to our tennis string, I immediately sent it for testing with the United States Racquet Stringers Association to do a full play test. None of the testers knew it was biodegradable, and it scored highly on performance.

How would you like to influence the future of sports equipment?

The biodegradable technology we utilize in our products can easily be implemented in industries beyond tennis. One local string brand may make a small impact in terms of sustainability, but if I get a national sports retailer to implement this technology, it would make a huge difference. Most tennis strings sit in the landfill for hundreds of years, but the string I created would biodegrade in just three to five years.

What are your future goals?

First, I’d like to expand our current line to create more sustainable products. Second, I’ve always wanted to do my own thing as an entrepreneur. I am currently working a finance job that I enjoy, but I would one day love to make Velociti my full-time job.

What advice do you have for recent graduates looking to be entrepreneurs?

The hardest thing for me is having patience. It’s easy to want and expect the things you want to get done quickly, but you have to remind yourself that things take time. And find some good mentors you can bounce ideas off of. I have a great one, CD Bodam (PE’69), a family friend in the tennis industry. Having him as a mentor has made a huge impact on my time in this industry.

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Photo courtesy Velociti Tennis

Ryan Burbary is owner of Velociti Tennis, a Boulder-based company committed to limiting single-use plastics and incorporating biodegradable technologies for products.

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Sports News Briefs: Summer 2023

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Sports News Briefs: Summer 2023 Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 07/10/2023 - 00:00

Andrew Daigle

Dramé Apparel

Jaida Drame (IntPhys, Soc’22), a track-and-field walk-on who didn’t run in high school, is departing CU as a world-recognized sprinter — and entrepreneur.

Drame tried out for track her sophomore year. She practiced 200- and 400-meters, trained solo and set personal records. She made the team in fall 2019, but then the pandemic struck. Eager to challenge herself and also bored during quarantine, she began altering and then designing clothes.

“My mom had bought me a sewing machine. I alter my clothes — I have long legs,” said Drame.

Drame modified athleisure styles before shifting to performance wear. She named her operation Dramé Apparel. Then, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) changes in 2021 allowed her to become a profiting business owner.

“Before NIL, it was Dramé Apparel or track. No crossover,” said Drame. “Now, I can push my own company.”

Drame will be in Boulder next year training with her running coach.

“I’m running for Senegal professionally,” said Drame. “And I hope to be wearing my uniforms.”

Buffs Bits

Jana Weinberger (IntlAf’06) was named CU’s director of skiing and Ian Lochhead as head alpine coach. … After women’s basketball’s NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance, Quay Miller (Soc’23) and Jaylyn Sherrod (Soc’22, MSOL’23) announced they will return for their fifth and final seasons of eligibility. Head coach JR Payne signed a contract extension through 2028. … Lacrosse (11-8, 7-3 Pac-12) concluded 2023 with a run in the Pac-12 Tournament, ultimately falling 12-6 to USC in the championship on May 6. Charlie Rudy (StComm’22, MBus’23) and Sam McGee (MSOL’23) were named First Team All-Conference. … Buffs tennis (12-12, 3-9 Pac-12) advanced to the second round of the Pac-12 Tournament and earned a trip to the inaugural National Invitational Championship (NIT). … In April CU began a $12.3 million Athletics improvement project. The upgrades include lighting for soccer night games, a new training center for the ski team and track-and-field updates before CU hosts the 2024 Pac-12 Track & Field Championships.

Coach Talk

"We’ve got an extremely resilient group who genuinely love one another. It’s really gratifying to see them enjoy the fruits of their labor. This group does the work.”

— Tennis head coach Anthony Pham after CU defeated Oregon on April 26 to win its first Pac-12 Tournament Match in program history.

Digits

Filip Forejtek (CompSci’22, MDataSci’23) won the men’s giant slalom Individual National Championship on March 8 at the NCAA Ski Championships in Lake Placid, New York.

Buffs from the 2022 football team signed free agent contracts after the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft in April.

Washington tennis’ national ranking when the Buffs came back from down 3-0 to win 4-3 on April 9.

CU student-athletes received their degrees following the spring 2023 semester.

47,277

Sold-out attendance at CU football’s Black & Gold Day Spring Game on April 22.

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Photo courtesy CU Athletics

Jaida Drame's clothing company and other sports news.

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CU's Star Student-Athletes

Anonymous — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 17:31:25 +0000

CU's Star Student-Athletes Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 04/05/2018 - 11:31

Amanda Clark

10 CU Varsity Sports with 4.0-GPA Athletes

Last year, 26 varsity athletes on 10 different ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ teams earned perfect grade point averages — 4.00. For the fifth year in a row, women’s cross country had the highest team GPA in the fall semester (3.368). Among spring sports, the women’s ski team scored the highest average (3.482). Below, by team, are the names of all 26 4.0-scholar-athletes, with their majors and class years.

Kaitlyn Benner (ChemBioEngr, Soc’18)

Track and Field

Michaela Wenning (ChemBioEngr, Biochem’18)
Kaitlyn Benner (ChemBioEngr, Soc’18)
Sage Hurta (ChemBioEngr, ApMath’19)
David Merkel (IntlAf, Econ’19)
Caleb Penner (EngrPhys, ApMath’18)
Ben Saarel (EngrPhys’18)
Valerie Welch (TAM’20)

Soccer

Hannah Cardenas (IntPhys, Psych’21)
Courtney Fedor (IntPhys’18)
Elisabeth (Libby) Geraghty (IntPhys’21)
Madison Hall (Mgmt, Mktg’17)
Kenzie Tillitt (Arch’17)
Jalen Tompkins (Psych’19)

Derek McCartney (IntPhys’16; MIntPhys’19)

Football

Tim Coleman (EthnSt’17)
Afolabi Laguda (Econ’17)
Derek McCartney (IntPhys’16; MIntPhys’19)

Lacrosse

Eliza Cahill (Mgmt’20)
Holly Sutherland (Acct’19)

Alpine Skiing

Nora Grieg Christensen (ArchEngr’19)
Tonje Trulsrud (ArchEngr’18)

Golf

Wilson Belk (IntPhys’19)
Jeremy Paul (Mgmt’17)

Tonje Trulsrud (ArchEngr’18)

Nordic Skiing

Petter Reistad (Fin’18)

Basketball

Lauren Huggins (EthnSt’17)

Cross Country

Bri Schwartz (Jour, StraComm’19)

Tennis

Kyra Wojcik (EBio’18)

Source: CU Athletics

Photos courtesy CU Athletics

Last year, 26 varsity athletes on 10 different ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ teams earned perfect grade point averages — 4.00.

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Q & A with Julyette Steur

Anonymous — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

Q & A with Julyette Steur Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 06/01/2013 - 00:00

Gary Baines

When she was just 16 in January 2012, Julyette Steur of the Netherlands became one of the youngest players in CU women’s tennis history and the youngest in Nicole Kenneally’s 14 years as coach. Last season, while 17 as a sophomore, Steur posted a winning record at No. 1 singles.

As a 16-year-old, was it difficult to go so far away from home and play college tennis?

I think a lot of 16-year-old girls kind of want to go away. So it was nice to get some time on my own. But then I realized I missed my family a lot. I still get homesick every semester.

How did you end up at CU after the recruiting process?

Actually, I had so little time [late in 2011]. At one point, I was just like, ‘OK, I’m just going to pick it.’ A CU assistant coach came over to see me in Holland, so that meant a lot to me. And when I was talking to Nicole, I had a good feeling. That’s always important. I thought it would be great to come here, and the Pac-12 was a big thing.

You had never been to the U.S. before committing. What was it like to make a blind choice to a certain extent?

For me it was very important to combine studies with my sports. I need to have my mind on something else, too. At that point I couldn’t just do tennis alone. So the only option was America [since there’s nothing equivalent to college tennis in Europe].

Where were you with your schooling at that point?

I skipped two grades, so I graduated from high school two years early. Then I just did tennis for a couple of months and I thought that just wasn’t my thing right then. I had to grow up a little to be able to do that.

How many college players were as young as you when you started playing college tennis?

Usually college players are at least 18. I haven’t met one that was 16. A couple are 17 that I can think of.

Is it encouraging that you’re only 17 and you’re already playing No. 1 singles and competing against some of the best players in the nation?

That’s really exciting. Most of the players I play are juniors and seniors. I want to get to that point when I’m a junior or senior that I’m beating them.

How would you judge your progression in college?

All the time I’ve been here, I’ve improved a lot, I’d say. The physical stuff we did was very good for me. I was really small, tiny, when I first came here. When I came home, my parents were like, ‘Your shoulders are a little bigger.’

Is facing some of the best players in the Pac-12 intimidating or is it good for your growth as a player?

Last year it was very intimidating. But now I can look at them and learn from them. I think, ‘Oh, I need that shot, too.’ That just helps.

Both your mom [Sylvia] and aunt [Kirstin Freye] played professional tennis. I assume you want to do that also?

Yes, I would love to.

How long has that been an aspiration of yours?

Since forever, I would say. It’s a passion.

When did you first play tennis, and when did you take it up seriously?

I started when I was 8 and started seriously two years after.

What languages do you speak?

German, Dutch, English and a little bit of Spanish.

Photo courtesy Colorado Athletics

Q & A with Julyette Steur, one of the youngest players in CU women’s tennis history.

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Milewski, Esposito Serve Up Tennis Careers

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Milewski, Esposito Serve Up Tennis Careers Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 06/01/2010 - 00:00

Gary Baines

In May Monica Milewski (Acct’10) was named one of eight alternates to participate in the 2010 NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Singles Championships, becoming the only CU woman to be named to the tournament twice in her career.

After winning seven of its first 10 dual matches of the season, the CU tennis team struggled during the Big 12 portion of the year. The Buffs went 3-8 in head-to-head matches with conference opponents during the regular season.

In the regular-season finale, Monica Milewski (Acct’10) and Melisa Esposito (Fin’10) set the school record for career doubles victories. Meanwhile, Milewski became just the second CU women’s player in history — Emily Smith (Psych’99) in 1995-99 being the other — to reach 90 singles wins in her career. Milewski owns the school record for career victories (singles and doubles combined), while Esposito is third.

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Milewski Shines in Early Season Tennis

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Milewski Shines in Early Season Tennis Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 12/01/2009 - 00:00

Gary Baines

Monica Milewski started the fall by going 7-0 in singles and winning two main-draw singles titles in the first two invitationals on the schedule.

Senior Monica Milewski won the main singles draw at the season-opening CU Invitational, defeating senior teammate Melisa Esposito in the finals. Meanwhile, Esposito and a third CU senior, Camila Belassi, captured the doubles title.

Milewski (65), Esposito (61) and Belassi (55) entered the season with a combined 181 singles victories.

“Those three have the opportunity to do a lot of great things this year,” coach Nicole Kenneally says. “If everyone stays healthy, the opportunity is there for the three seniors to leave their mark.”

Senior Monica Milewski won the main singles draw at the season-opening CU Invitational, defeating senior teammate Melisa Esposito in the finals.

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Netters Volley Back and Forth

Anonymous — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:00:00 +0000

Netters Volley Back and Forth Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 06/01/2009 - 00:00

The women’s tennis team started 5-0 in Big 12 competition for the first time ever but lost four of its last six regular season matches to finish fifth in conference play. After being ousted in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament, the Buffs owned a 12-10 overall record.

CU has posted 24 conference victories over the last three seasons, the best such span in program history.

Senior Franziska Jendrian set a program record for doubles wins in her career — 76 as of the end of April — and had also racked up 85 singles victories, fourth on CU’s all-time list.

<p>The women’s tennis team started 5-0 in Big 12 competition for the first time ever but lost four of its last six regular season matches to finish fifth in conference play. </p>

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Tennis Players Backhand Opponents in Fall

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:00:00 +0000

Tennis Players Backhand Opponents in Fall Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 03/01/2009 - 00:00

Three tennis players finished with at least 10 singles victories during the fall portion of the season: senior Franziska Jendrian (14-5), junior Melisa Esposito (12-4) and junior Camila Belassi (10-4). In addition, senior Monica Milewski went 7-1. Belassi capped off the fall season by defeating Jendrian for the singles A consolation title at the San Diego State Fall Classic.

Coach Nicole Kenneally announced Canadian Ania Anuszkiewicz is joining the team this season and Erin Sanders of Colorado has signed a letter of intent to begin play in the fall. Kenneally believes Anuszkiewicz will make an immediate impact.

<p>Three tennis players finished with at least 10 singles victories during the fall portion of the season.</p>

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