With men’s basketball being the most attended sport at Samford University, “Bucky Ball” never has to compete for fans. Other sports, like tennis, do not get that attention, even if they are having a good season.
Freshmen tennis players, Parker Free and Hayden Menon, have high hopes that the energy could exponentially grow if they had a more present fan base at each match.
Although tennis comes across as a quiet, reserved sport, the players would choose to say the opposite.
“College tennis is not a quiet sport,” Free said.
Each match, their teammates cheer each other on and create a team environment that is considered Free and Menon’s favorite part about the team.
Performing at a division one level regardless of the sport should be considered an accomplishment and something to support.
“The more people that attend matches, the better it is,” said Menon.
Division one tennis is just as time-consuming as division one football is, with workouts, practices and training daily.
“There is a different lifestyle being a student athlete,” Free said.
Each student athlete has a more demanding schedule than the average student, even if the sport doesn’t seem as popular on campus.
“Performing at a high level requires time management,” Free said.
From basketball to tennis, each sport requires athletes to schedule their life around training, conditioning, practice and games.
This year, tennis has won the majority of their matches and played the number 11 ranked team, Mississippi State.
Considered to be on a hot streak, the team has made strides to remain undefeated at home thus far.
“I really want tennis to be more popular,” said Menon.
Both Free and Menon believe that the team’s energy would grow if there was a better support system of fans.
Each collegiate athlete wants to feel valued and appreciated for their accomplishments, especially the sports that do not see as much of a fan base.
Staff Writer
