Shelton and team reflect on past year, look ahead

[Editor's Note: This article is reprinted with modifications and updates from the June 8 issue of the Technique.]

The women's tennis team defeated UCLA in Athens, Ga., May 22 to capture their first NCAA National Championship.

The championship is also Tech's first-ever NCAA team championship in any sport. Tech's football team has claimed four national championships, but the titles were awarded through wire service polls and are not sanctioned by the NCAA.

"For us to get the first [championship] for [Tech] is special to me because I went to school here. [Tech] always has a special place in my heart," said Head Coach Bryan Shelton.

While the team lost the doubles point, the Jackets stormed back in singles play, winning four of the team's five matches. Miller, Silverio, Amanda McDowell and Christy Striplin all won their matches.

Silverio clinched the match at the No. 2 singles spot with a 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 win over Tracy Lin. The back-and-forth contest drew a great deal of attention in the latter half of the match between Tech and UCLA, with both teams knowing that the point would likely decide the winner of the national championship.

Miller bounced back from a tough loss in the semifinals to win in straight sets. She helped tie the score for Tech, evening it up at two a piece.

Striplin won her match in three sets at the No. 5 singles spot to put the Jackets up 3-2, giving Tech a lead it would not lose.

McDowell excelled in her match at No. 4 and won her 10th straight match. She was undefeated in the tournament, winning all six of her singles matches.

At the conclusion of the tournament, Silverio, McDowell and Striplin were all named to the all-tournament singles team. Silverio was named MVP of the tournament.

"It's been an unbelievable four years. I came into this program and we were ranked No. 42, and now we're No. 1," Silverio said.

The team moves forward this season, planning for another championship caliber season and to defend both of their titles.

"We had an incredible season....It was very special to win the championship through a combination of hard work and good fortune. We pride ourselves in really going after the best student-athletes across the nation and we found a really special group," Shelton said.

While Shelton and the tennis team have enjoyed their (and the school's) first NCAA championship, they realize the responsibility that comes from it.

"We won the first national NCAA championship title for Tech, ever. With that, we know there comes a great deal of responsibility to showcase not only our tennis talents but our character and to make the student body proud for what we stand for," Shelton said.

Shelton has coached and attracted many of the top prospects in the nation, notably recently graduated NCAA Tournament MVP Alison Silverio and All-American Senior Kristi Miller.

Both played major roles as leaders of the team in last season's championship run, with Miller looking to play a similar role.

"I think we're fortunate to have the leaders coming back on the team. I think this team will be led by Miller, so it's nice to have someone of her caliber who is strong on the court and is also as strong off the courts. She has a 4.0 GPA, so she's been an example for all of us to follow," Shelton said.

Kirsten Flower, one of last year's breakout players, returns for her second season. She recently won a bid to play in the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open. Her and fellow sophomore Amanda McDowell look to play more prominent roles throughout the upcoming season and build on their success.

The team attributes some of their success last season to the support of the student body and the students who attended their home games against some of the top competition in the country.

"I think tennis matches are some of the most exciting sporting events you'll see, especially on a college campus. It's always fun to follow a team that's very successful in your own backyard and your home team. We had unbelievable support from the student body last year and we're hoping for the same support this year. We want them to take an active role in what we do," Shelton said.