The Lehigh women's tennis team has found itself in uncharted territory following the sudden departure of their head coach, Olivia Leavitt, at the start of the fall season. However, this unexpected challenge has brought the team closer together, fostering a more cohesive and supportive environment as they navigate the transition to a new leadership.

Resilience and Camaraderie Shine Through in Challenging Times

Relying on Each Other for Support

Sophomore Hannah Letzer explains that the abrupt exit of Coach Leavitt has forced the team to depend on one another more closely. "She left us a week before our fall season, and as a result, we needed to rely more on each other for support," Letzer says. This newfound reliance has had a positive impact, as the team has become more cohesive. "I believe this has bonded us as a team," Letzer adds, highlighting the team's resilience in the face of adversity.

Embracing a Collaborative Approach

With the departure of their head coach, the team was initially unsure of who would take on the new role. However, they were grateful when graduate assistant coach Santiago Rodriguez Villegas stepped up to fill the interim position. "We are very grateful to him for stepping up," Letzer says. "Even though he has classes and an internship outside of coaching, I believe he has our best interests in mind and will help the new head coach transition smoothly."

Fostering a Positive Team Culture

Villegas, who has extensive experience on the court, acknowledges the challenges that come with the coaching responsibilities and the loss of a colleague. "Being on the court is the easy part, it has been my comfort zone for more than 20 years," he says. "The real challenge has been all the behind-the-scenes stuff — the office work, compliance, and taking on the responsibility of bringing the team together off the court."Villegas is focused on maintaining the team's momentum from the previous season, emphasizing the importance of "intensity at practice, having fun and developing a competitive mindset." He also hopes to bring the team closer together, as Letzer notes that the team is much more cohesive this year compared to last, when the previous coach tried to force friendships and togetherness too early on.

Embracing Change and Adapting to New Strategies

Senior Allyce Gaborik believes the new coaching will bring positive changes to the team's overall strategy. "The previous coach, Leavitt, really focused on energy, which is important, but it is also crucial to be able to help the various players adjust to the different strategies being thrown at them by their opponents," Gaborik says.Despite the changes in coaching and strategy, the team remains focused on their on-court production. Gaborik says the players have accepted and adjusted to the modifications, acknowledging that "all we can control is how we show up each and every day."

Maintaining a Unified Approach to Achieving Goals

Gaborik emphasizes that the team's cohesiveness and focus on their common goal of winning remain intact, despite the in-house changes. "We all are coming together to achieve our team's common goal of winning and doing the best we can every match," Gaborik says. "The environment remains positive as all the girls are supportive and want the best for each other."The Lehigh women's tennis team's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to their shared objectives have been instrumental in navigating the uncharted waters of a coaching change. As they embrace the new leadership and strategies, the team's strong bonds and collaborative spirit have emerged as the driving force behind their continued success.