BABSON PARK, FL – The Webber International University women's tennis team is hard at work preparing for the 2012 season, but the injury bug has been persistent among many of the players this spring. Coach Bill Heath has been concerned about the injury situation, but practices have been running good and the conditioning program has been relentless. “I am so fortunate to have the great assistant coach that we have this year, Robert Hollis,” stated Heath. “Robert brings us a lot of structure, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the game and he has been a great addition to Webber Tennis,” added Heath.

According to Heath, another great addition to the Webber Tennis Program is Strength and Conditioning Coach, Brian Binkley. “Brian is absolutely relentless in his conditioning sessions with our players and what he is doing is going to help our ladies immensely with their physical stamina and mental toughness,” stated Heath.

Returning for the Lady Warriors this year are Seniors: Leticia Tomb from Brazil; Jeanette Hicks from Lake Wales; Katy Monforte from Orlando; and Helen Perry from England. “Helen Perry is a real trouper,” stated Heath. Helen is day to day for the team, having severe shoulder problems and will require surgery, eventually. “We are desperately hoping that Helen will be able to complete the season, but if her condition worsens, we know her intercollegiate tennis career will be over,” added Heath. Tomb has had a nagging thigh injury, but she is getting better and should be ready for the season.

Junior Julija Stojkouska, from Sweden, is the only newcomer for the 2012 squad. Julija had arm surgery in December, and is still in pain, but has begun practicing on a limited basis with the team.  The only other junior on the team is Zulema Robles, from Peru. Zulema started for WIU her freshman year, was relegated to backup duties last season, but seems to be back in form as this season approaches.

Sophomores returning are: Molly Bowman from Lakeland; Nathalia Chaddad, from Brazil; Holly Parnell, from Winter Haven; and Laura Nowak, from Germany. Nowak and Chaddad were tabbed as second team All-Conference last year. They play #1 and #2 on the team and Heath expects big things from them this season. Nowak did win the ITA Back-Draw Championship this fall.

“All in all, we have the opportunity this year of posting our second consecutive winning season,” stated Coach Heath.

To learn more information and to check out the Lady Warriors tennis schedule, please go to www.webberathletice.com and click women's tennis. The WIU women's tennis team opens their season with an exhibition match at St. Petersburg College on January 31. The match will be played on Treasure Island and starts at 2:00 p.m.