Coming off an Elite Eight finish last season, the Florida women’s tennis team will have its first opportunity to break through in the 2015-16 season on Friday.
The Gators will head to Durham, North Carolina, for the Duke Invite, and head coach Roland Thornqvist has a message for his team: progress over perfection.
"When we go to a tournament we go to win it," Thornqvist said.
"There’s no question about it, but at the same time if we don’t win then we’re going to get something out of it."
The team has been preparing not only on the court, but also in the weight room.
Thornqvist believes that this is one of the better teams in terms of practicing that he has seen in his 15 years at Florida.
"They’ve been excellent when it’s been on our time, and they’ve been doing better on their own," Thornqvist said.
The Gators will be led by lone senior Brianna Morgan who finished the 2014-2015 season at the No. 3 spot with an overall record of 17-4.
Sophomores Brooke Austin and Josie Kuhlman return to the court after a summer of tournament play.
Austin, who was named 2015 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year, took the singles title at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Summer Championship.
Kuhlman took the doubles title at the Fort Worth Pro Classic with California’s Maegan Manasse.
"They seem to be picking up right where they left off at the end of last year," Thornqvist said.
"We have high expectations for both of them, and rightfully so, they’re very talented and work very hard here."
During the offseason, the Gators added sophomore Anna Danilina from Moscow, Russia.
Danilina reached the semifinal round in doubles at the 2012 US Open Junior Tennis Championships.
Danilina has been working hard on her craft to prepare for this weekend’s tournament — considering she could see action as early as the season opener.
If previous seasons are any indication, Danilina could see action in her sophomore year.
Thornqvist is eager to see how she will react to playing against players in a different college tennis environment.
With the entire team returning from last year, and with only one senior on the roster, the Gators will again utilize the young players.
Thornqvist believes the team will show a greater sense of confidence because they already know what to expect.
"The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores," Thornqvist said.
"The added maturity of returning and knowing what’s around the bend everyday I think that’s been good for our sophomores.
"You can tell they’re more relaxed, calm, and more confident because they know what we’re all about."
Follow Madison Belfour on Twitter @madisonbel4
Brianna Morgan awaits a serve during Florida's 4-0 win against Maryland on Jan. 25 at the Ring Tennis Complex. Morgan defeated Georgia Tech's Kendal Woodard, 6-2, 6-3 at the No. 3 position on Saturday to help the Gators advance to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16.
