Bobcat tennis coach boosts team atmosphere

The realm of college athletics is often portrayed as a cold, cut-throat, non-stop grind. Student-athletes are put up on a pedestal, and it is assumed that they spend the entirety of their time at college honing their craft and winning championships. The stresses and mental health issues facing student-athletes have been well-documented, and protecting the well-being of athletes is often an issue that can go unaddressed.

The women’s tennis team seems to be intent on shifting that narrative. Under first year Head Coach Suzie Woodburn, the program is beginning to take what she refers to as a more ‘holistic’ approach. “It’s about having a great balance between student and athlete,” Woodburn said. “We want to make sure they love being a Bobcat and that they’re working hard in and out of the classroom.”

Woodburn is an experienced coach, having previously served on staff for Boise State, Cal Poly andUniversity of Wisconsin. She has also carved out a distinguished playing career for herself, having been a four-time Pacific Northwest Women’s Open Player of the year, among other accolades.

Woodburn emphasized the shift in team ideology that she wants to facilitate. “We’re rebuilding the culture and creating a positive environment,” Woodburn said. An important aspect of this approach, according to Woodburn, is making sure the team is close with one another. “Our team is all international students. We emphasize being a family and doing stuff with each other.”

“We’re all far from home.” JJ Chen, a Junior from Adelaide, Australia,said. “We relate to that and help each other get through tough times. We do alot of team bonding.”

Chen seemed happy with the atmosphere Woodburn had begun to create as a coach. Of the transition that comes with the arrival of a new coach, Chen said, “It’s been pretty smooth. She’s been a great asset to our team.”

The team is presently working its way through the fall schedule, a time that tends to serve as a preparatory period for the spring. “It’s a building block,”Woodburn said, “We take it one day at a time and get better each practice, each competition.”

A large part of Woodburn’s philosophy when it comes to competition is centered on self-improvement. She wants her athletes to be the best versions of themselves that they can be. “They’re such great human beings,” Woodburn said. “It’s been such a positive and great experience.”