Chapman Previews Kansas Tennis Fall Season

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – First year Kansas tennis head coach, Todd Chapman, looks ahead as the Jayhawks prepare to kick off their 2013-14 season Friday, Sept. 13 at the Midland Invitational in Midland, Texas.

Chapman, who took over the helm of the program in June, recently started his fall season with the squad and has already found plenty to rave about.

“The best thing I’ve seen so far is just the willingness of the girls to want to work- the excitement that they have about this season,” said Chapman, who formerly was the assistant coach for Texas Tech. “And as a new coach, a lot of the time that’s what you’re wondering about, or maybe have some fear about, the unknown about what team you have.”

The Jayhawks, who ended their 2012-13 season with a record of 11-10, return this year as a veteran team with four seniors.

“Because of the commitment of the seniors we have, we will lean on them a lot,” Chapman explained. “From an experience standpoint, and for sure from a leadership standpoint, we will be counting on them.”

2013-14 Jayhawk Roster

Returners: Seniors: Amy Barnthouse, Claire Dreyer, Paulina Los and Dylan Windom. Junior: Maria Belen Ludueña. Sophomores: Maria Jose Cardona and Anastasija Trubica.
Newcomer: Freshman, Elly Fryberger.
Losses: Monica Pezzotti, Victoria Khanevskaya

Amy Barnthouse, Senior
After struggling with numerous injuries and surgeries, Barnthouse comes back this year ready to finish her career strong. She did not compete in any spring matches due to injury but found success in the fall of 2012 during the Jayhawk Invitational, finishing 2-1 in Singles draw.

Chapman on Barnthouse: “She’s had surgeries and other things that have kept her out the majority of the last three years and especially most of last year. But she’s worked hard the last two weeks and we’re going to work hard to keep her healthy so she can be a factor and be a big part of the team.”

Claire Dreyer, Senior
An integral part of the team, Dreyer finished with a team-best singles record of 11-1 last fall and a 4-1 record in the spring. Dreyer is coming off a wrist injury from last spring.

Chapman on Dreyer: “The one thing I think of when I think of Claire is commitment. She’s very dedicated and committed to being a part of this team, being a good teammate, she’s committed to her rehab from her wrist surgery and that was evident from the first day I was here. She was serious about getting back to where she wanted to be so she could finish her career off the way she wanted to.”

Paulina Los, Senior
A strong singles and doubles player, Los and partner Maria Belen Ludueña finished the spring season with an eight-match winning streak and beat No. 35 TCU. Los’ overall record for 2012-13 was 16-14.

Chapman on Los: “Paulina has probably been the most consistent player we’ve had the first couple weeks of practice, both tennis-wise and from a strength and conditioning standpoint. She’s brought it every day. The level of focus and intensity and commitment to whatever drill we’re working on – either strength and conditioning or out at practice – I’ve been very, very pleased with her and her mentality.”

Dylan Windom, Senior
Windom, a powerhouse hitter, finished last spring’s season play with a record of 11-10 including a win over Elizabeth Ullathorne of No. 15 Texas Tech (1-6, 6-3, 6-1).

Chapman on Windom: “She’s as good a ball-striker as we have on our team. I really think she’s one of the best ball-strikers in our conference.”

Maria Belen Ludueña, Junior
Finishing last season in the No. 1 spot in both singles and doubles, Ludueña, proved to be an important component of the team, ending her junior campaign with a doubles record of 20-12 and 15-15 singles record.

Chapman on Ludueña: “Belen’s a very talented player,” said Chapman. “I think once she gets the confidence of what her expectations should be and what her talent is, then she has so much room to improve and will really be a force for us this year.”

Maria Jose Cardona, Sophomore 
Cardona shined her first year as a Jayhawk, switching between No. 1 and No. 2 rankings on the team. She finished her freshman year with an overall doubles record of 18-15 and singles record of 17-17, which included a win over Iowa State’s Ksenia Pronina in straight sets during the opener of the Big 12 Tournament.

Chapman on Cardona: “She’ll be another great player for us this year, with a lot of potential and talent. She has all the shots you could ask for as far as a high-end player or high-line-up type of player.”

Anastasija Trubica, Sophomore
A key part of the program, Trubica started her 2013 spring season with a seven-match winning streak, and finished with a 12-7 singles record. She shined not only in singles as she went 20-11 overall in doubles play.

Chapman on Trubica: “She’s almost a machine when it comes to strength and conditioning. I’m really excited knowing how hard of a worker she is and what we can maybe get to by January with her.”

Elly Fryberger, Freshman
A four-year letterwinner from Arapahoe High School (Colo.), Fryberger is the only freshman on the KU roster. While she may be a newcomer, Fryberger brings experience from high school where she placed fourth at the state championships her junior year.

Chapman on Fryberger:  “I’ve been pleasantly surprised with where her level is tennis-wise, but also where her commitment level is just all around.”

Up Next

The Jayhawks will head out to Midland, Texas to participate in the Midland Invitational this Friday, Sept. 13-15, for their fall season opener. Follow KUAthletics.com for updates on the invitational this weekend.

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