In order to build upon their recent success however, the Jeffs will have to overcome the loss of multiple key players. The team has lost four seniors to graduation: Josh Rilla, Danny Babkes, Jon Godsall and Scott Bronner. Rilla and Babkes played the top two singles positions and combined to form the top doubles team for each of the last three years.
Rilla was a three-time All-NESCAC selection and was ranked as high as the number 24 singles player in the nation. Last year Rilla received the Clarence Chaffee Sportsmanship Award, as voted by the NESCAC coaches.
Also gone from last year's team isis Lenny Lepner '07. Although Lepner has not yet graduated, because he transferred as a sophomore from the University of South Carolina, he has used all four years of his eligibility. Lepner is currently serving the team as an assistant coach. "Lenny is as hardworking as a coach as he was a player," said Jeff Wan '08. "He is more than happy to feed us balls, train with us, and has a great eye for giving us technique tips."
Despite the significant losses, the team also returns substantial talent, and also has a capable group of incoming first-years-one that might even play the top position. Senior captains Karti Subramanian and Jeff Lawrence will anchor a deep squad. "Every team has to undergo replacing players with new talent," said Wan. "Fortunately for us, we have more than enough talent to fill their roles. Karti and Jeff are outstanding captains and bring our team much needed leadership."
A strong junior class is led by Michael Mintz who played fourth singles last year and will likely move up to the second slot. Right behind him is classmate Jeff Wan who play anywhere from third to fifth singles. Fellow juniors Tal Avrahami and Geoff Schwartz will contribute in doubles and compete for the final singles slot. Zach Lerner is the only sophomore on the team, but after a strong first-year campaign he should be ready to make an important impact. He is expected to play near the top of the singles ladder.
Perhaps the squad's biggest strength is their massive pool of talented first-years. Tristan Biesecker comes in as one of the top recruits in the NESCAC and may even take on the responsibility of the top singles spot. Joining him are Ben Krause, Daniel Kim, Daniel Gonzalez and Scott London. Kim and Gonzalez are currently in contention for the final singles spot, and all of them have the potential to contribute in the doubles spots.
The team's goals for the year are to once again make the NCAA Tournament, and to beat Williams College, something the Jeffs have not accomplished in over a decade. "Our goals are the same as every season," said Wan. "Beat Williams and try to get as far in the NCAA Tournament as our talent and hard work can get us. I expect great things, and I think they'll happen this year."
The team begins its season on March 10 at MIT.