A Word From Coach Halberg
When I think back on all that Stacey has experienced during her time with the Saint Mary’s University Tennis Team, I have to smile. She has seen a lot, done a lot, and been a hard working, class act through it all. I first heard of Stacey when she contacted me her senior year in high school. She was very interested in Saint Mary’s and really wanted to play college tennis, but wasn’t sure quite what to expect. I talked to her high school coach, as I had not had a chance to watch her play in person, and he had great things to say about her. He told me she had come to the game late, but she was a great athlete with a real passion for the game, and he had never had a faster learner in his time coaching. That convinced me that Stacey would be a good fit for us and boy has that been true!
When Stacey joined the team, we had arguably one of the best and deepest teams to ever play for Saint Mary’s. The lineup was filled with strong players, including Bailey and McKennah Edwards, who hold most of our current team records. Though this would prevent Stacey from entering the starting lineup her freshman year, it was probably just what she needed. Stacey had undoubted talent, but she lacked experience; having such a good team around her helped her to develop fast, and from her first year to the present day, she has never stopped improving. I know it was a proud moment for her when she earned a regular starting position in the team, and I was just as pleased, for she had earned it with her dedication and hard work. She has been a rock for us this past couple of seasons, putting in consistent performances and being a real team player. Her clinching singles win vs. Macalester last year has to be among the hightlights of her career…you have to love pulling out a big win for you teammates when the score is deadlocked 4-4 and everyone is around your court cheering and yelling…what fun that was! I remember thinking as I watched Stacey battle away in that match just how far she had come…what a player she had turned herself into! She has told me that she hopes to be a teacher and coach tennis coach in Chicago after she graduates; I truly hope her dreams are fulfilled … then she can pass on her gifts to the next generation. Maybe one day she’ll be calling me to tell me about a player on her team that I HAVE to recruit! I can only hope!
Thank you for all you’ve done for this team Stacey! For your hard work and never say die attitude, for sticking with this team through the hard times AND the good times! For keeping that smile on your face, even when I was running the team ragged! For coming to England and Orlando and all the places in between and always being a great teammate for all the squads you played for over these four years! I wish you all the best…don’t hesitate to call if you ever need some coaching advice, though I have a feeling you are going to do just fine!
Cheers!
Coach
