The University of Mississippi Athletics
Somers Leaves It All On The Court
4/13/2007 | Women's Tennis
By Elizabeth Zaremba
Athletics Media Relations
With a gladiator build and a fierce glare, Ilona Somers has become one of the toughest competitors in the SEC. After joining the Lady Rebels in 2004, Somers made an immediate impact on the team through her drive and pride on the tennis court. Now with her final home match on the horizon, the senior says she has come a long way since suffering numerous injuries while playing at home in Holland.
“I had problems with my shoulder, my back and my knee,” said Somers. “My body was not ready for it (playing professionally).”
Thankfully for head coach Mark Beyers and the Lady Rebels, the setback from injuries brought Somers to Ole Miss.
“I lost sponsorship, and I was wondering what to do,” Somers said. “Coach, who grew up down the street from me, called and explained to me about college tennis and going to school. He offered me a scholarship. I visited here, and I liked the atmosphere.”
The electric crowds on gameday have helped keep Somers pumped up during matches, as well as reminding her of playing back at home.
“The courts here are close together and people are really involved in the matches,” said Somers. “Back in
Somers has given Rebel fans much to cheer about over the past three seasons. In her first year, she finished with an overall singles record of 20-11 and helped lead Ole Miss to its first ever SEC Western Division Championship. Since then, Somers has remained consistent and has gradually improved her play, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Assistant coach Whitt Taber has watched Somers grow over the years and credits her improvement to the level of intensity she plays with.
“When you look at her results from the first year, it’s a steady climb,” said Taber. “She has done a great job of playing extremely hard with a high level of intensity, and she always gives herself the best chance to win.”
Last year, Somers’ hard work began to pay off as she received All-SEC second- team honors. She teamed with Virginia Tomatis for a 21-12 doubles record, 12-8 at the No. 1 position. In addition, Somers finished with a 20-10 singles record.
Despite her success, Somers has played a different role with this year’s team. With numerous injuries and barely enough players to compete, Somers has stepped up and rallied the team with her play on the court.
“It’s about doing everything in workouts at 100 percent,” she said. “You have to practice hard and develop mentally and physically. I hope they’ve realized that even when you’re injured, you can work hard and get better.”
Taber agrees with Somers and feels that her presence and attitude in practice has helped the team despite their troubles.
“The thing she has done best with the situation that we’re in is that she has said to herself I have to do all I can do.’ From a leadership standpoint, when you walk on the court and you practice at the highest level, everyone else has no excuse.”
Though Somers’ collegiate career is coming to an end, she hopes to take all that she has learned and use it to help others reach the same level. She will get her first chance to do so next January as an intern with the
“I hope to learn a lot there,” said Somers, who is an ITA Scholar-Athlete and a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. “I will be coaching, teaching and serving as a hitting partner. I really want to stay involved in tennis at a high level.”
Somers is currently ranked No. 74 in the nation in singles and holds a 13-7 record, 5-5 in the SEC. Last weekend she recorded the biggest win of her career, beating No. 7 ranked Natalie Frazier of
On Saturday, the team will honor Somers prior to the start of the match. While she knows it’s a big deal, she will try to go about her normal routine just like any other match.
“It’s special, but I try not to think about it,” said Somers of playing in her last match in
Like with every other home match, Rebel fans should expect to see Somers focused and on top of her play. It’s this attitude that she hopes the team will remember her for.
“I hope they remember my drive, my love for the game and to keep fighting, even when you’re down or when you’re injured,” said Somers. “You have to work hard and believe in it.”
A true leader who leaves everything on the court is the legacy that Ilona Somers will leave Ole Miss.
