Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

MIKE LUNKA:?In the spring of 2009, when Mike Lunka confirmed that he would be attending Saint Mary's University, I knew tf was a big addition to our team.  Mike was a sought after player with great ability and a clear record of success in high school and junior tennis.  He came highly recommended by his high school coach, Corey Prondzindski, a Winona native, had a big left handed game (an extra advantage in tennis) and was a confident tennis player.  What I didn't know, but learned quickly, was how well he understood the game of tennis.  Having great strokes is a key foundation to being successful in tennis, but understanding how to use those strenghs effectively is vital to success at the upper levels of the game.  Most college athletes come with the raw skills but lack the experience to know how to use them most effectively.  In that respect, Mike had a head start on his rivals...he is just a smart tennis player.  On top of that he is an inspiring leader to his teammates.  I made Mike a co-captain in his
sophomore year because it just made sense and I've never regretted it. He can be outspoken and stubborn at times (right Mike?!), but he always has the best intentions and needs of the program at heart, and the mutual trust and respect he shares with his teammates and the coaching staff is truly special.  As an individual player, he is a warrior on court, technically skilled and tactically astute, he plays with a "take no prisoners" attitude and determination.  On top of that, in his four year partnership with Bobby Steingreaber he has been spectacular.  They are without a doubt the best doubles team to ever play together at SMU and it has been my honor and pleasure to coach them.  I could go on and on about what Mike has accomplished as a player and leader, but in the end what I'll miss most about Mike is the intangibles: the special bond he has with his other senior teammates, being able to use him as a sounding board like another assistant coach, his tough yet welcoming approach to his younger teammates, his passion and determination to help his team succeed. Thanks for everything, Mike. You really helped to make the last four years a really run ride!

SAM PUFF:?When faced with a really tough MIAC opponent, I have often told my players: "remember the color you wear...if you want to win, you need to bleed for this team!"  Sounds dramatic I know, and of course it is just an inspirational device in the end, but when it comes to Sam Puff, he takes responsibility and sacrifice seriously.  He literally HAS bled for this team.  All tennis players have their strengths and weaknesses, whether it be a big serve or a huge forehand or whatever, and don't get me wrong, Sam's strokes are excellent, they truly are.
But his biggest weapon isn't any stroke he has, but the size of his heart (and that he is fast as lightning!).  Sam never gives in, never gives up, and over the past four years has put in some absolutely monumental efforts on the tennis court.  The kind of efforts that truly inspire his teammates because they see how hard he is working
and they don't want to let HIM down.  He will love me for telling you this, but in his first college match, he didn't win a game.  Yup, 6-0,6-0 in singles and 8-0 in doubles.  He was crestfallen and he came to me afterwards and said, "Coach, I'm not sure I have what it takes to play college tennis," but I assured him that not only would he succeed, but he would end his freshman year with a winning record and
have a great college career...and I was right.  Not only did Sam finish with a winning record his 1st year, he is currently on track to have the second most singles wins in Saint Mary's history!  I'd say he has what it takes, don't you? Sam is a special guy (you may now blush Sammy).  His teammates love him.  His coaches love him.  His family and friends love him.  I would like to think I am an astute coach, but if you ever overheard one of my coaching moments with Sam, you would likely laugh.  We rarely speak about tennis!  Effort is such a given with Sam, that beyond a technical point here and there, we usually just chat about whatever is in our head...which is usually comical!  What I have learned is that
as long as he is in the right frame of mind, his opponents have NO idea of what they are in for.  For all that though, I will not miss Sam because of his contribution to SMU Tennis, which is massive and undeniable to say the least.  No, I will miss him because he is my friend.  Thanks for everything buddy!

BOBBY STEINGRAEBER:?Bobby is AWESOME.  Awesome tennis player, awesome student, awesome teammate, awesome friend.  If you don't know Bobby, it might take a little while to come to this conclusion, not because it's not true, but rather because he is such an unassuming person.  He is quiet by nature, never talks himself up, and he leads by example rather than by being outgoing and boistrous...with one exception. Bobby is a very selfless person; his team ALWAYS comes first.  All his efforts in practice and in match play are to help his team win.  Of course, he usually does get results on court.  His doubles record is one of the best in SMU Tennis history, he is a multiple All Conference player in the MIAC, and he plays to win every time he steps on court.  But their is more to Bobby; though he is a quiet, Clark Kent type guy most of the time, he is like Superman in match play: fired up, intense, occasionally noisy ("let's GO!"), heck, he'd rip the sleeves off his shirts if I let him!  And he has the power to will his teammates to victory.  When he comes off court at the end of his match, if there are any teammates left playing you can be sure they will hear Bobby by their court cheering them through to victory.  Bobby is awesome.  He is a team player through and through and he has the love and respect of all his coaches and teammates.  In fact, he even has a holiday named in his honor by the team: Bobby Steingraeber Day...one need only rip the sleeves from your practice shirt, smile and practice like today is your last day on earth to participate.  You gotta be there...it's a blast.  Bobby, thank you for your dedication, your leadership, your sacrifice, your backwards hats and your sleeveless shirts.  I thank you, you truly are awesome.

ANDREW RANGITSCH: Andrew is the kind of guy that everyone should have as a friend. Kind, reliable, forgiving, smart, funny, he's just a good guy.  Oh, and did I mention he is a good tennis player?  That's right, he is. Through sheer effort and determination he has made himself a truly good player and both myself, my fellow coaches and all his teammates have nothing but the highest admiration for him.  When Andrew came in as a freshman, he had a solid tennis background and great athletic ability.  He just lacked the experience needed to be a starter right away.  I explained to him that he would and could succeed, but it would take hard work, long hours and great determination to achieve his goals.  Well, he went above and beyond the call. He put in the hours and effort necessary to be truly successful.  Here's the thing though, what Andrew treasures most as an SMU tennis player is being part of a TEAM.  And all his efforts are geared toward helping his team succeed.  They are his friends, his comrades, his brothers in competition, and he makes it his duty to do everything is his power to help them succeed.  He leads the running and stretching, he begins the team chant, and when it comes to effort he leaves everything on the court. He is like that as a friend as well.  The bond he shares with his other senior teammates is special; the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime, and his bond with the rest of the team is something I think they will always carry with them as an example of what a teammate should be.  Faithful, reliable, kind and welcoming.  You are a good man, Rangler, and I am honored to call you my friend.  Thanks for everything!

RACHEL LUETMER:?Rachel, Rachel.  Where should I begin?  Rachel is truly one of a kind. Is it her primary diet of ice cream?  No, that wouldn't be fair, since she has cut down on that habit.  Is it her unique choice in music?  Japanese pop or some rather inappropriate rap?  No, that wouldn't be quite right either: the first was just plain funny and the other, though I am still blushing, does not actually represent her accurately, she just likes a good tune.  SO, let's start here: Rachel
is funny, silly, kind, hard working, and a great teammate.  When Rachel came into the team her sophomore year, she said she wanted to join because she missed tennis and wanted to be part of a team again. Well, I couldn't have asked for a better addition to the team.  Rachel has the unique ability to brighten everyone's day.  Her big smile and kind (and fun-loving) demeanor always makes practice a fun place to be.  All her teammates and coaches love her.  Oh, and she happens to be a great tennis player!  She has a big serve, a versatile game, which she can utilize in offense or defense, and the fighting attitude of a player determined to do all in her power to win for her teammates.  Honestly, I have nothing but admiration for Rachel; great student, great friend, reliable teammate, strong competitor, I could go on and on.  It has been an honor and a pleasure being your coach these past three years, Rach...but please, PLEASE, no more rap. All the best!

DEANNE WEBBER:?I have to start by sharing credit where credit is due.  Coach Sokolowski made a discovery one day on the tennis courts of Notre Dame University.  You see, we were playing a match that day and Deanne had just broken into the starting lineup.  Now I knew she was fast, hard working, and doing everything she could to improve her game.  BUT, I did not know until that day how coachable she was.  Coach S called me over and said "watch this."  He then gave Dee some coaching advice to follow in her singles match (which by this time was early in the second set).  She followed his advice to the LETTER.  She had a rare ability and determination to follow through with whatever strategy she might be given, and that is a rare and useful gift.  Deanne has always been determined to succeed.  I won't kid you, when she first arrived at SMU, she was so quiet we hardly got a peep out of her until spring break.  And even now, as a senior, she isn't going to blow your doors off with chatter, but don't mistake her quiet or shy demeanor for a retiring competitor.  Dee is a warrior.  Her determination, rock solid
strokes (with the best footwork on the team!) and fearless attitude on
court are an example that all of her teammates and coaches admire.
And no matter how high I put her in the team, she just keeps winning ... amazing.  My only regret now is that I can't keep her around for another four years...although we've been negotiating her enrolling again as a freshman under her sister's name; they look so alike anyway I don't think anyone will be the wiser...just our little secret! Dee, thank you for all you have given to this team!  For your efforts, your kindness, your leadership, your skill and all the special things that make up who you are.  I am sorry we lost your clothes on the tube in London, but I hope what you gained being a member of this team has more than made up for that!  Ha-ha!  Remember though, your work isn't quite done; now you have to work with your brother so he can join us in a few years time!  All the best and thanks for everything!