Gamecocks adjusting after coach steps down for health reasons
It has been an interesting nine days for the South Carolina’s women’s tennis team, to say the least.
First, the No. 22 Gamecocks knocked off No. 17 Clemson for the first time since 2006. Then, after wins against College of Charleston and Winthrop, the head coach of the team for 27 years, Arlo Elkins, abruptly quit because of health-related reasons.
The departure couldn’t have come at a worse time for USC as it will open up SEC play this weekend with a brutal two game stretch. The Gamecocks play No. 4 Georgia on Friday before traveling up to Knoxville, Tenn. to take on the No. 5 Tennessee Volunteers.
Interim head coach Katarina Petrovic said she will not let the distraction get in the team’s way.
“I’ve just focused on the team,” Petrovic said. “We have a tough two matches this weekend and I know that coach Elkins is going to be with us. The girls are ready and we’ll just try to do our best.”
Looking past the departure of Elkins, the team has been on a roll of late, winning five in a row overall. Shining for the Gamecocks has been senior Anya Morgina, who is 13-3 on the season and also owns a 7-0 record when she plays atop the singles lineup. She has a No. 34 national ranking.
Junior Jaklin Alawi has also been impressive for the Gamecocks this season, posting a 17-3 singles record out of the No. 2 spot.
Petrovic is more concerned with her doubles lineup going into the tough matchups this weekend.
“We can work a little bit more on doubles,” Petrovic said. “We do play against the No. 4 and No. 5 teams in the country. It’s going to be a very tough weekend, but if we can get a few wins on the road, especially starting this weekend, we’ll be great. The focus is more on doubles.”
The focus will also be on how the players respond to the departure of their long-term coach. Petrovic said that he will be missed, but that the team understands that they play for more than just the coach.
“They know why they’re here,” said Petrovic. “They’re here because of academics and a good tennis program. They’re ready to go.”
Furthermore, there will be little change from Elkins to Petrovic, as they have a good relationship and share coaching styles.
“Coach Elkins was my mentor,” Petrovic said. “I learned everything from him. We’re pretty much on the same page and he trusts me fully.”
South Carolina will look to ride the momentum from the successful non-conference season into this weekend and get league play started on a good note.
A win this weekend would likely ease the concerns about the team and restore the stability that has been there for the last 27 years. Petrovic will use the same philosophy that Elkins used, teamwork.
“I cannot single out anybody because we are a team,” Petrovic said. “For us, and for me, it’s very important that every individual gives 100 percent. In tennis, we know it’s an individual sport, but we want everybody to focus on the team and give 100 percent.”