Season Preview: Women's Tennis Coach Sees Potential in Squad
9/12/2025 12:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis
MILLERSVILLE, Pa. - Coming off a 9-10 season and the graduation of key contributors Chloe Abramowitz and Hui Jen Soo, women's tennis head coach Matt Helsel has turned his focus to rebuilding the lineup. The McComsey Tennis Courts will welcome a wave of new talent this season, including Duda Coutinho Barreto, Callie Culbertson, Mia Gassert, Marian Hayes, Annika Rojas, and Olivia Roth. As the fall season kicks off this Saturday, Helsel shared his thoughts on the potential of his young and promising squad.
How does this team compare to last years?
Matt Helsel (MH): We've got a lot of new players, so there's a lot of players on the team, lot of potential and growth opportunities. We've got a little but less experience at the top of the lineup than we've had in years prior. The last few years we've had an experienced number one or two. This year we're going to be a little bit younger at the top, but we have a lot of solid players top to bottom. So, it's going to be fun to watch.
What strengths do you see during the preseason practices?
MH: We're very athletic. We're quick, fast, and strong. So, I'm seeing a lot of good things athletically. We gotta clean up our technique stuff which isn't unusual for a younger team. But, we are definitely going to go after some people and teams. It's going to be interesting to see this team develop.
Who are some players you're expecting to step up this season? And are there any newcomers making an early impact?
MH: Yeah, I expect a lot out of our older players like Lauren Hayes, Luci Consigliere, and Sophie Lanius who is a returning senior. Hailey Guerrero is back as well. Some of the new players Marian Hayes, Lauren's sister, is going to be tough. Mia Gassert, Annika Rojas, and of course Duda Coutinho Barreto are some of the key newcomers that are going to play a lot this year.
If you had to describe the team in one word, what would it be and why?
MH: I would say potential. This team, I hate to put pressure on a group of players, is probably the most talented group I've ever had in 25 years of coaching. So this team has a lot of upside. Now, what that translates to in wins or postseason stuff, you know, I don't know. But, we've got the ability to get there. So that's definitely the case.
The Marauders kick-start their season Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Bucknell Invitational in Lewisburg, Pa.
How does this team compare to last years?
Matt Helsel (MH): We've got a lot of new players, so there's a lot of players on the team, lot of potential and growth opportunities. We've got a little but less experience at the top of the lineup than we've had in years prior. The last few years we've had an experienced number one or two. This year we're going to be a little bit younger at the top, but we have a lot of solid players top to bottom. So, it's going to be fun to watch.
What strengths do you see during the preseason practices?
MH: We're very athletic. We're quick, fast, and strong. So, I'm seeing a lot of good things athletically. We gotta clean up our technique stuff which isn't unusual for a younger team. But, we are definitely going to go after some people and teams. It's going to be interesting to see this team develop.
Who are some players you're expecting to step up this season? And are there any newcomers making an early impact?
MH: Yeah, I expect a lot out of our older players like Lauren Hayes, Luci Consigliere, and Sophie Lanius who is a returning senior. Hailey Guerrero is back as well. Some of the new players Marian Hayes, Lauren's sister, is going to be tough. Mia Gassert, Annika Rojas, and of course Duda Coutinho Barreto are some of the key newcomers that are going to play a lot this year.
If you had to describe the team in one word, what would it be and why?
MH: I would say potential. This team, I hate to put pressure on a group of players, is probably the most talented group I've ever had in 25 years of coaching. So this team has a lot of upside. Now, what that translates to in wins or postseason stuff, you know, I don't know. But, we've got the ability to get there. So that's definitely the case.
The Marauders kick-start their season Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Bucknell Invitational in Lewisburg, Pa.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
/ Women's Tennis
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