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John Tsumas (pronounced TOO-miss) is approaching his 15th year as the head coach of the Utah women's tennis team. He enters this season with the same attitude and coaching concepts he's always applied. "If you want to be the best, you must play the best," is the motto he instills in all of his players. Considering the schedule that confronts Tsumas and the tennis staff, it seems his motto relates perfectly.
This season Tsumas has done an excellent job of preparing his team. He has assembled a number of top ranked opponents that should make for some great competition. He has compiled a schedule against nine nationally ranked opponents, including national powerhouses Northwestern (No. 9) and Washington (No. 11). These are two of the opponents the Utes faced last year.
"This year should be full of excitement and entertainment," says coach Tsumas. The Utes have been hard at work preparing for the grueling 2001-02 schedule and are willing and waiting for the task at hand. Although the Utes are a young team, Tsumas is predicting they will see success. He knows his team only has room for improvement from last seasons 7-14 record and he is confident they will do so. In 14 years of coaching, Tsumas has led seven teams to national honors. Three previous teams of Tsumas' landed in the top 25.
Tsumas' tremendous talents have not only helped his women's teams succeed, but he has also been recognized by fellow coaches and peers. In 1990-91 the Regional Coach of the Year award was presented to him and following that he was a finalist for the ITA National Coach of the Year. He has made a tremendous impact on the women's tennis organization.
Tsumas' complete devotion to his players continues beyond the court. Graduating every member of the University of Utah women's tennis team is a high priority on coach Tsumas' agenda. Last year, Sheri Esrock had a 4.0 her first semester. As a team, five of the eight players were selected to the Athletic Directors Honor Roll for spring semester.
