The recipe for a successful tennis program starts with a coaching staff that knows how to recruit and develop players. Take a core group of talented athletes who have played together since their freshmen years. Add two years of rigorous on-the-job training, producing two of the most successful seasons in its history, including an ACC championship and a No. 10 national ranking last year. Mix that with a talented freshmen class that has two players among the top 100 nationally.
The Cavalier men's tennis team has the ingredients in place for a benchmark season. Now, they just have to win.
Last year saw the team's gradual yet steady rise. Despite a season of firsts, including the first top-10 national ranking, the first victory over Duke in over 25 years and the first ACC tournament championship, the Cavaliers disappointingly fell to Ohio State in the NCAA round of 16.
"We played very well in the ACC tournament," Stewart said. "After that, we didn't play as well. We might've gotten a little too overconfident for the NCAA tournament."
Last year's ACC-winning team relied on the core group of five sophomores, one freshman and no seniors, all part of head coach Brian Boland's first two recruiting classes. Entering this season, three of those six players were ranked nationally -- junior All-American Doug Stewart (No. 19), junior Rylan Rizza (No. 36) and sophomore ACC Tournament MVP Marko Miklo (No. 62). The doubles team of Rizza and junior Nick Meythaler is also ranked at No. 19. For the juniors, who have played together and often since their first year, youth has been replaced by experience. This year is their time to pass that final hurdle to reach national prominence.
"Ever since I've been here, we've been a really young team," Stewart said. "We're not so young anymore. We really always had that excuse. Here we are, and most of us are juniors here, and it's time to really do something."
The fate of the season lies in the hands of these juniors.
"These five guys from my first recruiting class -- they have to want it," Boland said. "I strongly believe they'll be the difference between being a good team or a great team."
The veteran Cavaliers will have plenty of talented young help. Five incoming freshmen are expected to have an impact on the team this year, adding depth to the experienced roster.
"We've got some new guys that are playing doubles, but not playing singles, and guys playing singles that aren't playing doubles," Stewart said. "Definitely the depth on our team is a lot better. After the top six last year, we were a little weak. I feel like we have eight, nine, 10 guys that can come in and play in both the singles and doubles lineups."
Two freshmen in particular, No. 22 Somdev Devvarman and No. 104 Treat Huey have opened eyes. At the National Collegiate Tennis Class in Palm Springs, Calif. two weeks ago, the two paired up to win the doubles bracket by defeating two top-20 duos. In the finals of the singles backdraw, Devvarman, the former junior No. 1 in India, defeated Huey.
"We played together once before," Devvarman said. "For some reason, we understood each other. We're both first years and we hang out together everywhere. We know each other really well. Maybe it's because of that."
In order for the Cavaliers to achieve their full potential, the elder Cavaliers will likely have to set the example for the freshmen. It was not long ago when they too were freshmen on a young team.
"Some of the veteran players have started to take on more of a leadership role," Boland said. "At times last year it was difficult to get to the next level. We needed leadership from within the team, not just from the coaches. I always have the belief that you can have a good team with great players, but to be a great team, you need everything, and that includes leadership."
Virginia's home opener will take place tonight at the Boar's Head Sports Complex against Old Dominion. Despite defeating the Monarchs handily last year, the Cavaliers will face an Old Dominion team with a group of untested, yet highly touted freshmen.
"I'm really excited for the first match of the year," Huey said. "I've been thinking about it all the time for the last month or so. I can't wait to get out there with the other guys on the team."
Virginia will take on nationally competitive Minnesota Saturday in a key early season match-up. Last year, the team credited the Minnesota match as their biggest confidence booster. This year, however, they see the early contests in a different light.
"You'd like to come out and play our best," Stewart said. "But on the other hand, if you don't do well against ODU and Minnesota, it's really not that big of a deal. If we maintain our enthusiasm and get better, we'll play our best at the tournaments."
The bottom line, as assistant coach Tony Bresky said, is the process of building the team.
"If we work hard at improving the details of our games, the results will take care of themselves," Bresky said.
Still, the team wants to improve on last year's benchmark season.
"We have bigger goals set in mind," Rizza said. "We have a tough schedule, but I think we can compete with any team in the country."
The Cavaliers have all the ingredients in place to produce a spectacular season. With a little luck, chemistry and plenty of wins, they will likely be able to live up to their potential.
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