The Family Culture of Brevard College Tennis
This edition of #NadoCulture features the 2019-20 Brevard College Men's and Women's Tennis teams. Stay tuned to bctornados.com through the Spring of 2020 for #NadoCulture features on all the Spring sports at Brevard College.
BREVARD, N.C. – Similar to every program across college athletics, the Brevard College Men's and Women's Tennis teams' 2020 competitive season ended with the cancellation of this year's remaining schedule due to the impact from the COVID-19 virus. BC Tennis, which finished the 2019-20 competition season with a successful trip to Orlando, Florida, continues to build a family team culture under the direction of Head Coach Brad Jones along with Volunteer Assistant Coach Jimmy Wynn.
A Team Culture Defined by Family
The Brevard College Men's and Women's Tennis teams are united in a family atmosphere where the Tornado student-athletes stick together both on and off the tennis courts. This idea of a family culture and the benefits that come with it are continually emphasized by Head Coach Brad Jones.
"I stress to the players to take this as a family atmosphere and to build that trust within one another," said Jones. "Cheer each other on, help each other out and if you see someone having a rough day, pick them up."
The BC student-athletes agree that the family atmosphere within the tennis program creates a close-knit environment.
"The family aspect that we have with our team is very strong," said freshman JaMarcus Walker. "Everyone gets along with each other and we are all pretty much always around each other so that's a big thing – the family side of it."
"We actually have a team shirt that we all wear - it says 'Family' on it," said junior Margaret Correll. "We have a really tight bond and are indeed a family. We hang out outside of practice, we live next to each other, we do so much together. Family is the one word that I would use to describe who the team is."
In turn, the student-athletes have the opportunity to create lifelong bonds with their teammates.
"I tell the student-athletes all the time, there are childhood friends and high school friends that you may stay in touch with," said Jones. "But it is the people that you meet in college and within our tennis program that are really going to stick with you for the rest of your life."
Unity Between Men's and Women's Teams
Unlike many college programs, the Brevard College men's and women's tennis teams operate as a singular unit. This only strengthens and enlarges the family dynamic of Brevard tennis.
"The men and women play, practice and condition together at the same times," said Jones. "That just helps the comradery and the family aspect of tennis within our program that much more. It is something that you don't see in other sports, but in tennis we have that opportunity."
"Even though we are two different teams, we practice together so why not hang out together outside of practice and get to know each other regardless of whether you are on the men's or women's team," said Correll. "I think it is really important for us to get to know each other since we will be together for most of the year. It makes the unity stronger within practice and during matches and really helps us reinforce this idea of family."
Building Brick-by-Brick
At his first meeting with the team this past Fall, Coach Jones gave each player a brick as a symbol of what the Brevard College tennis programs are trying to accomplish. The student-athletes will keep the bricks throughout their college careers before painting the bricks with a message as a reflection of their years at Brevard. The bricks will then be displayed for alumni at the McCoy Tennis Complex.
"I give each student-athlete a brick and let them know that each brick represents our foundation as a team and as a program," explained Jones. "I let them know that the brick represents you as a student athlete, as a player and as someone valuable to this program. In future years when we are having big success, these bricks will represent the foundation that helped get us to that point."
Every Day Go 1-0
While the cumulative efforts of the student-athletes are building a foundation for the future, the success comes from a daily discipline and a winning work ethic instilled by Coach Jones.
"We have been working to get better each and every day," said Jones. "Every time you come out and hit the tennis court, it is really about being better than you were the day before."
"I use the mantra that a lot of coaches use, that is to go 1-0 every day," continued Jones. "It is hard to win at any level. I am trying to get them to come in and have that attitude of working hard every day. Tennis is a physical game, but it's even more of a mental game. We are trying to get them to break those barriers and break down those walls so they'll be prepared for that day when we have back-to-back matches or a challenging three-setter."
Win Off-the-Court
"We want the student-athletes to not only be good tennis players but to also be exceptional students in the classroom, and even better individuals out in the community," said Jones. "At a Division III school, you are coming for an education first and foremost. You aren't going to be successful on the tennis court if you aren't successful off the tennis court."
The student-athletes participated in several community service initiatives with even more tennis-specific programs planned for the Fall of 2020.
"We have a lot of community programs in the works where we will be able to give back," said Jones. "Starting next season, we are planning to have a substantial junior clinic for the community, while also getting out to teach tennis at places like the Boys and Girls Club and our local elementary schools."
Exemplary Student-Athletes
Several Brevard College tennis student-athletes excelled in the classroom and in the community this past season. Two examples are junior Margaret Correll and freshman JaMarcus Walker.
Correll is a junior from Salisbury, North Carolina, majoring in English with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Business and Organizational Leadership. A key member of The Clarion school newspaper's editorial staff, Correll hopes to work in the news industry.
"Margaret is an excellent student who has great passion for her interests on and off the court," said Jones. "She can be very vocal when we need it. The college game has become very emotional and she brings that emotion to the courts which is fantastic."
Correll acknowledges how tennis has been a key part of her experience at Brevard and in her growth as she heads toward her senior year in 2020-21.
"Tennis was the reason that I came to Brevard," said Correll. "I came here and made so many friends on the team during my freshman year. That year taught me a lot and I felt like I grew so much as a person. I have made so many long-lasting friends and I have learned so much being on the team and being a student-athlete."
Walker is a freshman from Seneca, South Carolina, majoring in Business. Walker is aspiring toward a career in the sports business and has been assisting the Brevard College Department of Athletics to gain valuable experience in the industry. He also has stayed active in the community as a freshman, working with Habitat for Humanity amongst other projects.
"The amount of work he has put into his game since coming to campus as a freshman has been exceptional," said Jones. "Off the tennis court, he is a very good student in the classroom. He has also been a very reliable asset for the athletic department helping behind the scenes."
Walker has integrated himself as a Brevard College student-athlete adjusting to the college experience quickly.
"Being a tennis student-athlete has really helped me get used to the college life," said Walker. "Coming in as a freshman, I was a little nervous that I wouldn't like it. But as the school year kept going, I learned to really enjoy college. Being on the tennis team and working with the athletic department helped so much with that. Plus, the community service work reminded me how important it is to give back and to help out."
An Exceptional Freshman Class
Walker is part of an exceptional, deep freshman class that promises to provide an exciting foundation for the years to come.
"The freshmen class in general are a very mature group," said Jones. "Since day one, they all came out, worked hard and did as much as they could in the offseason. I have been very impressed with their willingness to work hard."
As an upperclassman, Correll agrees that this year's freshman class is an exceptional group.
"The freshmen are such a good group of athletes and a wonderful group of people," said Correll. "They come to practice every day and are excited to be there. They are all different, yet they all mesh really well for this team. I have never met a group of freshmen that have meshed with a team better than they have."
"All of us came in and we automatically got along with each other and clicked as soon as we met," explained Walker. "We just want to improve as we continue our college careers. We all the same goal of constant improvement and to win."
Knowledgeable Coaching Staff
The Tornados are under the direction of the coaching staff of Head Coach Brad Jones and Volunteer Assistant Coach Jimmy Wynn.
Jones, in his first year at Brevard, is a former Division III tennis student-athlete and coach who most recently was the Head Coach at Bethany College in West Virginia.
"Brad brings a fresh approach with new ideas on how to make this program one of the best sports at Brevard College," said Correll. "I think that he has a lot of promise for the years to come and is going to be a good coach to continue this sport at Brevard."
"Coach Jones is very energetic and really wants to see our team improve," stated Walker. "He is really big on development. If you show him effort, he will give you all his time. He really helped me in the offseason to get better as a player and not many coaches will spend that much time helping a player when they could be doing a million other things. For him to show that individual support and help us develop is what I really like about Coach Jones."
Wynn is a veteran coach with deep experience and contacts within the tennis world. Once an internationally ranked singles player, Wynn comes from a tennis family with his father coaching college tennis at Harvard University.
"Coach Wynn brings so much to the program," said Jones. "First of all, he is just a great guy. If you have ever met him, then you will never forget him. He brings a wealth of knowledge in not only the game of tennis but in life in general."
"Jimmy is a fun guy and makes practice very lively," added Correll. "He has a lot of knowledge and has been playing tennis a long time. He does give us that veteran perspective toward the sport we are playing."
"Coach Wynn brings so much knowledge about tennis making him a great person to have in your corner while you are playing," stated Walker. "He is always there for you whenever you need him. Anytime you want to practice, just ask him and he'll say yes. All he wants to do is see players improve and wants to see us do our best."
The McCoy Tennis Complex, a First-Class Facility
Beyond the team culture, the execution of that team culture by the student-athletes and a knowledgeable coaching staff, the Tornados also have the benefit of a first-class, on-campus facility – the McCoy Tennis Complex. The complex has 12 courts which allows for both men's and women's dual matches to be played at the same time. Moreover, there is a modern players lounge, locker rooms and ample space for spectators.
"It is something that you really don't see on the Division III level," said Jones. "In many ways, we feel like a Division III program in a Division I setting because of the facilities we have at Brevard."
"We are super blessed to have one of the best facilities in our conference," said Correll. "It is one of the most beautiful facilities I have seen."
"Coming from high school where we didn't have lockers or more than four courts it was awesome to see the design of this facility," said Walker. "It is also great to have a place to just cool down as we can go to the lobby to rest, relax and hang out."
Partnership with Brevard Racquet Club
In addition to the superb McCoy Tennis Complex, the Brevard College tennis program has a thriving partnership with the Brevard Health & Racquet Club which features indoor courts. This allows for the Tornados to practice and train in inclement weather while also providing additional experiential opportunities for the student-athletes.
"It is something that you really don't find at a lot of college programs," said Jones.
"It allows our players to play, hit or practice all year round regardless of the weather. This winter, many of our student-athletes had the chance to participate in their junior clinics as well where they were able to hit with juniors while also getting teaching experience. Special thanks to Josh Vandegrift as well as the club's teaching professionals Ryan Fleming and Dave Hartsock for their partnership."
"We are extremely fortunate to have the benefit of access to the Racquet Club," said Correll. "We have this close partnership with the Racquet Club. When it rains, which it does frequently in Brevard, we have the ability go there and get some hitting in. We are blessed to have the opportunity to do that.
"The Racquet Club is a great place for us to go to," concurred Walker. "They really want to see us develop and grow as tennis players at Brevard. It is a great partnership."
Tremendous Support from Local Community
In addition to the support from the Brevard Health & Racquet Club, the Tornados receive tremendous support from a multitude of local individuals who have fallen in love with the program. The presence of the local community members at the matches is considerable, creating a home-court advantage along with moral support for the Tornado student-athletes.
"We have huge support from the local community in Brevard," said Jones. "From day one ever since I arrived on campus, I had people coming by and introducing themselves to me. These supporters have been so generous in helping us with whatever we may need to enhance the program. It is something that I have not experienced since my high school days when you have a lot of parents involved and that sort of thing. I try to tell our players to not take this for granted. There are not a lot of other institutions, especially in Division III, where you get this much support from the community."
"We have a lot of community members who come out to every single match," expounded Correll. "From my experience in tennis, it is rare to get people who aren't family at tennis matches. To see faculty, my peers and community members means so much to our teams to see people come out and support us. They don't have to do that, but they do it because they love us and want to see us do well. I think it is one of the greatest things about being on this college team."
"The support from the community is huge for us," added Walker. "It means so much to know that people actually care about Brevard tennis and want to spend their time watching us play and develop."
Five Wins in Orlando
In the final week of the shortened season which corresponded with Spring Break for Brevard College, the Tornados traveled to Orlando, Florida for a series of matches for both the men's and women's squads against teams from throughout the country. The women's team won three of its four matches, ending the season on a three-match win streak, while the men's team won two of its three matches with its final match of the week canceled. The trip also included the opportunity for the men's team to play at the USTA National Training Center.
"Orlando was a fantastic trip minus the match that we weren't able to play against Colorado College on that Friday," said Jones. "In hindsight, it was very nice to end our Spring season on a high note with a total of five match wins between the two teams."
"Every match, we pushed through to get some good wins," said Correll. "It was a good experience to travel and play some teams that we usually don't see."
"It was a really good experience that brought us even closer as a family," said Walker. "It was especially great to play at the USTA facility. To play a college match on the incredible USTA campus was awesome. My family was able to watch me play which was the first time some of my family members had ever seen me play tennis live. Overall, it was tremendous experience for me as a freshman tennis player."
One Final Match
The 2019-20 Brevard College tennis schedule ended in Orlando with a night match vs. Marywood. While the news of the cancelled remainder of the season was not yet official, Coach Jones and the Tornados understood the possibility that the Marywood match could be the last of the season.
"Before the last match, I was able to get everyone together and let them know there would be a chance that this could be the last time that we touch the court this year," said Jones. "So let us go out here and leave everything on the court. Don't come off holding anything back. That was the message to the women's team heading into that match and to the men's team who were at that match. I told the men's team to also let it all out. That I want to hear that passion and the emotional side of college tennis."
Brevard answered the call with a 7-2 victory in what became the season-finale. The news then became official the following day that the Tornados season would indeed be over.
"It was a tough situation, especially with two seniors (Samantha Sepe and Carmen Boone) on the team," said Jones. "I was able to gather the whole group together before that last match on Thursday evening and this may be our last match so let's do everything that we can to come away with the victory. I was so pleased that we were able to accomplish that."
"When we learned that all of the NCAA and USA South seasons were cancelled, it was pretty devastating," said Correll. "It is devastating losing a season that could have been something really great. But I am a junior and still have another year. It hurt more knowing that Sepe and Carmen are going to lose this opportunity because they are seniors – that hurt more than anything."
"It didn't really hit us until we all just sat down and realized that the season is really over," said Walker. "Most of the freshmen were sad that our season was cut short after we just had a big win at the USTA facility. It was especially sad to know also that the two seniors we had on the women's team were not going to be able to finish out their seasons. All in all, there were a lot of emotions for everyone."
Special Message to Seniors
"Carmen (Boone) has been here since her freshman year," said Correll. "Sepe is relatively new but has given a lot to this program. I think that they both are very important parts to this family that we do have. We are going to miss them a lot, but I am glad that we were able to make the memories that we did."
"I would like to thank the two seniors for everything they did for me in my freshman year," said Walker. "They helped me feel very welcome to the team and made it feel like a family. Sepe was a great captain. Even though she was the captain for the women's team, she really helped the freshmen on the men's team as well."
Message to the Next Wave of Tornados
The BC Tennis teams continue to stay in touch despite the cancelled season, supporting one another as the student-athletes conclude their semester via online classes. Meanwhile, Coach Jones and the student-athletes have a message for any future Tornados.
"When you come to Brevard College, you are going to be challenged academically, athletically, socially and spiritually," said Jones. "When you come here, you are set up to succeed as a student and will be given a set of tools. When you graduate and walk across that stage, not only will you be walking away with a diploma but you are leaving Brevard with a set of tools that you will be able to not only apply to your profession but to your life as well."
"If you come to Brevard, you will be part of a family where you are appreciated by the community, your peers and the faculty," said Correll. "You get to play in this awesome facility that we have with some of the best people that you will ever meet. You will have the chance to be something special and achieve something special while getting your degree."
"It is the family aspect of both the college itself and of the tennis team that makes it so special," concluded Walker. "The support you have from the community is second to none. Some of the connections you can make at the college and in the community, you can have for a lifetime and can help you out later in life. But most of all, we are a family."
To follow the latest news and updates surrounding Brevard College Athletics, follow the Tornados on Twitter and Instagram @bctornados, subscribe to 'Brevard College Tornados' on YouTube, follow 'Brevard College Tornados' on SoundCloud, or like 'Brevard College Athletics' on Facebook. In addition, follow "brevardcollege" on Flickr for the latest photos from all Brevard College events.
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