As April begins, there is now more behind than ahead this season for the tennis teams at John Brown University. What has transpired over the last two months has been the most successful run the tennis program has seen in recent memory, built upon hot starts for both the men and women as well as continued success deeper into their schedules. Now, heading into the final weeks of the season, head coach Mike Campbell is looking for both squads to finish strong.
“My goal for us is a continued belief that we deserve to be in this position,” Campbell said. “If we remain focused, keep playing tough and win every doubles point available to us, we will close out the season well and sprint towards the finish line in a few weeks.”
The JBU women have had a very successful season, holding a 7-6 overall record heading into this week’s matches. They entered February on an 18-match losing streak and had only won three games across their last three seasons. Despite that, they started hot once they took the court for the first time in 2022, ending their losing streak on Feb. 11 against Hendrix. They proved that their winning performance was no fluke with a commanding win over Ozarks the next day and another victory on Feb. 19 over Evangel in Springfield, Missouri. The JBU women have also picked up wins against Kansas Wesleyan (March 5) and Bethany (March 5 and March 17). They most recently defeated Ozarks for the second time this season (April 2). When looking at the keys behind their success this season, Campbell pointed to their toughness and chemistry.
“The women are excelling,” Campbell said. “We have amazing team chemistry with the right ladies on the team, and our mental toughness is off the charts. They are strong, competitive, don’t complain and practice hard every week.”
Meanwhile, the men have had similar success, holding a 9-5 overall record. Their win total this season already exceeds their total from the previous two seasons combined, and there have been plenty of highlights. Three of those wins have come against Oklahoma Wesleyan, most recently on March 9. The JBU men have also defeated Ozarks twice (Feb. 12 and April 2), Bethany twice (March 5 and March 17), and Hendrix (Feb. 11) and Evangel (Feb. 19) once each. The JBU men have won four of their last five, and, much like the women, Campbell pointed their success to their mental toughness, as well as their ability to stay healthy.
“Our men are mentally tough, and the mental part of this game makes a big difference,” Campbell said. “We practice well during the week which sets us up very well for matches. We have also been very fortunate to stay away from major injuries.”
Both teams have four matches remaining in the regular season and will take the court next against Missouri Baptist on April 8 in St. Peters, Missouri. They will return to Siloam Springs for the final time this season on April 18 to take on Bethel in their regular season finale.