The University of Mississippi Athletics
Freshman Netting Success For Lady Reb Tennis
10/13/2006 | Women's Tennis
The Daily Mississippian
For most people, being in a new situation can be nerve-wracking and stressful.
Freshman Lady Netter Elizabeth Wood didn't come into just any new situation, she came into Division I college tennis.
Wood had every right to be anxious entering Ole Miss this year, especially being the only freshman on the team.
However, things have gone quite well so far for the freshman from Spring, Tex.
"Coming in being the only freshman, there was some nervousness, but the main thing I wanted to do was perform well and show that I belong," Wood said.
Her strong play so far has proven to her teammates that she belongs. During the first round of the All-American Pre-Qualifiers in Los Angeles from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, she defeated Clemson junior Mario Brito, who was ranked 107 in the nation.
The most promising thing about Wood's strong start is that she isn't even playing her best tennis right now. This past summer, Wood experienced a bout of mono.
"I pretty much was in bed for two months."
That was two months without much tennis, which is why head coach Mark Beyers is pleased with where her game already is.
"When she showed up to school in August, she was still pretty weakened by the illness she had just recovered from, so she's still not at the top of her game," Beyers said.
Things became even more interesting for Wood when she found out she would be paired with Lady Netters' senior Ilona Somers for doubles.
"I was a little nervous about being with a senior, but it has turned out great," Wood said. "I've already learned a lot from her advice and just watching her play."
The pair won the Blue Draw of the Ole Miss Classic that took place Sept. 15-17. It was their first tournament to ever play together.
Somers thinks they have played pretty well together, given the fact that they are a new team.
"The communication has been good, and of course it can still get better," Somers said. "I think we compliment each other well because we have different styles of play."
Wood does see a big difference between Junior's tennis and college tennis.
"The game is at a very high level, and you must be disciplined to balance tennis with school," she said "Everyone really expects a lot out of you."
It's no coincidence that Wood ended up at Ole Miss. Coach Beyers has known her for quite some time.
"I met Elizabeth and her family about five years ago at a Tennis Club in Houston, Texas and kept in touch with her all through high school," Beyers said.
Her USTA Junior's coach during her final two years in high school was former Ole Miss men's All-America Vikrant Chadha, yet another tie Wood has to Ole Miss. She made her trek to Oxford as a 5-star recruit and was the 29th-ranked high school senior in the country last year. This ranking is according to tennisrecruiting.net.
Beyers names Wood's hand-eye coordination, aggressive baseline play and ability to strike a good clean ball as her strengths.
He believes the sky's the limit for the young player.
"Elizabeth has all the tools to become one of the top collegiate players in the nation."
