Women’s Tennis Season Finally Underway After Coach’s Fraught Resignation

Senior tennis player Asma Hasan plays a singles match against Carthage College on Oct. 8 || Photo by Star Herring

The women’s tennis team is back to regular play following a series of postponed matches after their coach’s resignation. The team pushed through their first five conference matches with a record of 0-5, returning on Oct. 3, nearly three weeks after their typical start date.

The tennis coach resigned after a controversial departure following his alleged verbal lash out at player Asma Hasan. The athletics department is still in the process of hiring a full-time coach. Shawna Armstrong, the assistant director of athletics, and Olivia Grabowski, the women’s tennis graduate assistant, are helping to coach the team in the meantime.

“Coming back after a break has definitely been a little tiring, especially with five consecutive conference matches in one week, but I’ve still looked forward to competing every day,” Hasan said. “What makes it so enjoyable is getting to spend time with my teammates and share these experiences with them.”

On Thursday, the tennis team played Carthage College with five players participating in matches. Junior Zaina Daghash and senior Asma Hasan played first doubles and junior Courtneye Schneider and senior Olivia Hernandez played second doubles. All five players had singles matches as well.

Following the game, Armstrong said, “I’m proud of them, they are doing great and working hard.”

Sophomore Kathleen Castillo, who played No. 4 singles, said she felt a bit pressured being back in season as she only practiced with EU twice before her match. Before coming to EU, she played tennis at Concordia University in Chicago.

“Without a lot of formal practice, playing back-to-back matches in one week is very hard,” Castillo said. “I am trying to do what I can for the team and for myself in this time span.”

She said that the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin is much harder than the conference she previously played in, the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Carthage is currently third in the conference.

Other players said they are excited to get back to playing. Hasan said she learned how to play tennis in college and has enjoyed seeing her own growth. She said that Grabowski has helped bring the team together and build a stronger sense of unity.

“I’m now playing at the No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles positions, and the competition has been challenging but also really fun,” Hasan said. “I’m continuing to learn and grow as a player, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete with my teammates.”

Director of Tennis Max O’Malley resigned from his role in September after allegedly telling Hasan to “fuck off” during practice. Hasan said O’Malley acted aggressively during the interaction and his behavior was over the line. She reported the language to the athletics department, and O’Malley resigned shortly after accepting a new position outside of Elmhurst, according to Glen Brittich, the director of athletics. Schneider felt the game on Thursday was a tough competition but said all the girls fought well. She said coming off a win in her prior match against Millikin University gave her momentum for Carthage and future matches.

“After a tough loss in doubles, I really wanted to prove to myself I can do it,” Schneider said “The first set was a little rocky, but I ended up playing well in the second set and giving her a run for her money.”

The team is set to play at Carroll University on Tuesday in Waukesha, Wisconsin.