Top former Cyclone takes the helm, set to lead talented squad

With a former standout player coaching the team and some returnees with the 2012 NJCAA Region IV and Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference championships under their belts as well as experience competing at nationals, this year’s tennis squad has good momentum for 2013.

The Cyclones went undefeated in 2012 bringing home championships and a number of individual awards. Head coach Bill Finn stepped down and hired his top player, Nicole Selvaggio, after she completed her two years at Moraine Valley, as his replacement. Selvaggio was a Region IV and Skyway Conference Player of the Year for two consecutive years in addition to playing at nationals twice. Although she won’t be competing, she has some players returning and strong recruits that intend to fight for wins this season.

All-Region and All-Conference player Alexandra Armon (Andrew) is back and taking a leadership role. She also brings her nationals experience to a youthful squad. Joining her are Claudia Maka (Oak Lawn), Elizabeth Dominguez (Eisenhower), Kelley Grzych (Reavis), Tricia Poremba (Main), Lindsey Walker (Andrew), and Atah Bahri (Shepard).

It’s a different perspective going from a player to a coach, but Selvaggio aims to share her secrets to success on the court as well as her mantra for the season—“heart, integrity and grace.” She’s trying to instill sportsmanship, academic integrity and a “fight like hell for every point” attitude in her players. So far in practice, that’s what they embody. With a 110 percent effort, Selvaggio knows that the results will show.

“I’m used to winning so I want to keep that up. I know what it takes. I want to come in first. I want that (championship) banner in the gym. They all have a great attitude, and they’re picking up on things that benefited me when I was a player,” Selvaggio said. “If they do their best and fight for every point, I’ll be happy.”

The Cyclones open their season at home on Sept. 6 against College of DuPage.