September 16, 1998
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The 1996 season was not a high-point in the history of the University of Kentucky women’s tennis program. The Wildcats finished a disappointing 7-15 and were dismissed in the opening round of the SEC Tournament.
In an attempt to remedy the problems within the program, UK brought in a new head coach, Mark Guilbeau, to start the 1997 campaign. Guilbeau inherited a 56th-ranked squad with three upperclassmen and four sophomores. In the 1997 UK Tennis Media Guide, Guilbeau is quoted, “I’m not going to place too many expectations on this season. We certainly have some work to do…”
The season turned out better than expected, with the Cats finishing a respectable 12-13. The young UK squad even scored consecutive wins over No. 25 Arkansas, No. 24 Indiana and No. 17 Notre Dame. In the SEC tournament, the Wildcats advanced to the second round, ousting 18th-ranked Alabama 5-4 in the opening round. The team’s success did not go unnoticed and UK was invited to the NCAA Regional tournament.
In 1998, the Cats continued their assault on the collegiate tennis world, finishing 15-9 and making the Quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. UK’s post-season play continued into the NCAA Regional tournament, where the Cats made the second round. Massoumeh Emami and Kelly Brown, UK’s All-SEC doubles duo, even qualified for the NCAA Tournament’s main doubles draw. The Cats finished the year ranked 24th.
“That’s a 32 spot jump,” Guilbeau said. “That may be the biggest jump of any team in the top 75 in the last two years. That’s a real credit to these girls.”
In 1999, the talented group of sophomores Guilbeau inherited two years earlier will be seniors. Caroline Kirk, Christy Sigurski, Emami and Brown all return to etch further their place in UK’s tennis history. With sophomore Brooke Skeen and freshmen Jackie Spicijaric and Shannon Stafford adding to UK’s talent base, the Cats are poised to make an impact on the national scene.
“Our goal for the season is to win our region and make it to the final 16,” Guilbeau said. “I think we will have a strong year. We just want to build on what we have done over the last two years.”
If last year is any indication, the Cats should be in for a season that extends well into the spring. Emami and Brown should continue their domination in doubles, with Skeen and Sigurski providing another formidable combination.
On the singles side, the Cats should excel as well. Emami played well in the top spot last season and has been impressive this summer. “It would be tough for someone top Massoumeh,” Guilbeau said. “She is really on top of her game. She truly makes the most of her talent.”
Sophomore Brooke Skeen was 17-5 at the No. 6 spot last season and figures to move up the UK ladder. “Brooke’s success last season was amazing,” Guilbeau said. “She was beating players ranked well ahead of her and was playing outstanding tennis. She was a major reason for the team’s strong season.”
Seniors Brown and Sigurski have also improved in the off-season and should give the Cats strength throughout the line-up. Kirk and Sigurski, both recovering from nagging injuries, hope to rebound with strong senior campaigns.
“Christy showed a lot of guts last season playing injured,” Guilbeau said. “And Caroline will help us if her wrist will allow it. Hopefully, they will both be recovered in time for the season.”
Joining the Cats will be frosh Spicijaric and Stafford, two promising newcomers. Guilbeau said both are strong players who should contribute immediately.
The Cats’ discipline and hard-work will have them ready for the season. “You don’t win by luck,” Guilbeau said. “You win by working hard and taking care of all the details. Our kids do that every day.”
“These girls should be proud of what they’ve accomplished,” he continued. “They’ve turned this team around. Best of all, they support each other and enjoy the competition.”
This season, the team has high expectations, and rightfully so. In two years, they have put Kentucky tennis on the map and turned the Wildcats into a team on the rise. With Guilbeau’s guidance, this talented group should keep UK tennis climbing toward the top.
