Dominant Girls Tennis Coach Calls Monroe Home

For six years, Monroe resident and Weston head coach Mary Ann Vorvis was a pivotal member of the high school tennis community. Having recently stepped down, Vorvis leaves behind an indelible mark both record-wise and impact-wise on the many talented tennis players she helped along the way.

Vorvis certainly went out on top, having just wrapped up another SWC league title coupled with a State championship triumph. In the past three years, Weston did not drop a single match, notching an astounding 86 consecutive victories.

Vorvis recently answered a serious of questions for Patch.com in reflecting on her six special years at the helm of the Trojans girls tennis program.

How much tennis did you play growing up?

I didn't start playing tennis until I was 32. A mutual friend of my husbands and mine got us interested. I've been playing ever since.

How many years did you coach at Weston?

"I coached at Weston for the last 6 seasons."

What are the number of league crowns and State titles your teams secured?

Five SWC crowns and four State titles.

Best memories thru your years of coaching?

"Each year was special and unique and special in there own way so it's hard to say which stands out the most... But if I had to choose one I would have to say the first year of coaching was the most memorable. I had wanted to coach for a while and found t difficult to acquire a coaching job due to my lack of professional instruction or college tennis experience. 

"After receiving the wonderful opportunity from Weston the year proved to be one filled with challenges but also one that not only proved to everyone out there that I could do that reassured my beliefs that I belonged."

Does one year or match in particular stand out?

"I guess you would have to say this year!! To have my #1 Singles Player and # 1 Doubles Team win the State Open is something I don't think I'll forget. How many teams take both? It was great to see."

What is the biggest challenge as a coach that you faced?

I would have to say expectations and personalities... When you are dealing with a team everybody from players to parents and even including myself have different personalities and expectations.  Each year these change and the most difficult part is bringing all of those together so were all on the same page. 

What's the greatest feeling / reward you have gotten from coaching?

"Seeing the girls happy, accomplishing goals, and having fun."

What is your final coaching record?

"11-7 in 2005, 14-5 in 2006, and undefeated with a mark of 86-0 from 2007-2010."

What are your plans these days?

"From here on out, I plan to go with my husband Richard and  watch my son play baseball in college. He was cut two years and then got put on the team last year, but didn't play. Only JV!

This year he ended up being the starting catcher, #3 player on team for batting, #2 player on the team for RBI.s. This all done with less time at bats than the other two players. Ended his h.s career batting 423. Needless to say I'm a proud mom."

What prompted you to get into coaching?  

My daughter Christine and son August played throughout H.S. and then during college at UCONN.  I loved going to the matches and being in the competitive and fun environment it offered. I had also been an assistant coach for my daughters softball team when she was young and knew I enjoyed that aspect.

When I found myself missing all of it I made up my mind to get involved as a coach to not only enjoy something I loved but also give back a bit of what I have learned in tennis, being part of that team atmosphere, and match toughness over the years.  It definitely has been a wondeful experience.