Kelsey Ackerman | Sports Co-Editor

The Buena Vista University (BVU) women’s tennis team has seen struggles in the past years to keep the number of players up.

With a new head coach this year, it was mandatory to get the numbers up from the original three players.

“We are currently now up to five players. I can’t say enough good things about the original three players that have marketed the tennis program. Marketing the program as much as possible will be the key to keeping the numbers up,” head coach Bob O’Hara said.

This being O’Hara’s first year, he is most excited about building the program at a collegiate level.

“I have no expectations this year in the wins and losses category. But I do want to see the team improve as the season goes on,” O’Hara said.

The players are all excited about the new coach this year.

“Coach O’Hara has a deep knowledge of the game, and he has the ability to pass that knowledge and technique on to the players. Personally, I have already seen an improvement in my game, and I’m looking forward to learning more from coach,” junior Tarynne Kingorn said.

Kinghorn is looking forward to setting a new foundation this season that will hopefully lead future teams to success in the BVU women’s tennis program.

“Someday when BVU is competing for the conference championship I hope they look back on this season and think about their role in building the program from the ground up,” O’Hara said.

The Beaver tennis team will host Central College this Tuesday, Sept. 8 with a start time of 3 pm.