Bounce Back: Motivated Koala Tennis Teams Ready to Make History

COLUMBIA, SC- Motivation is funny; it can come from anything or anywhere. For some, it's easy to find motivation; for others, it can be more difficult... it comes from last season's outcome for the Columbia College Tennis teams.

"Coming off a tough last season, we are incredibly motivated to return to work and start the season right. Both teams believe in one another and want to succeed at the highest level." - Head Coach Mark Carnes said.

Fans of the Tennis program can expect a lot of energy from the teams this year, something Carnes has been preaching for a while now.

"We're going to compete with more energy and enthusiasm on the court; both teams are excited and eager to make history as our programs continue to grow and establish themselves."

Carnes will return everyone from last year's squads while adding four new faces to each team in the form of first-year students and transfers.

"We added a transfer from some of the top JUCO programs in the country to both teams; they're coming off great freshmen and sophomore seasons... we're excited to have them join the program."

Carnes expects his student-athletes to succeed on and off the court; he [Carnes] expects a 3.0 team GPA while also searching for the first win on the men's side in program history. For the women, it's about continuing to push for more.

"We want to make the conference tournament and exceed everyone's expectations. We're excited to get the fall season underway and carry that momentum into the spring."

The Men's team starts its fall season tonight when they travel to the Belmont-Abby Invitational for three days of competition. The Women will get the ball bouncing on September 10 when they travel to Mary Baldwin.

Stay tuned to GoKoalas.com and all social media accounts to keep up with the Tennis programs all year.