Women's tennis player Linh Aven has watched the dynamic between the men's and women's team change during her time at Whitworth.
"It's been interesting to see over four years the play between the guys' and the girls' teams. My freshman and sophomore year, it was really awkward and no one knew what to say to each other," Aven said. "Last year and this year, we've really started to support and encourage each other."
Aven said this was aided by the fact that the teams started going on Spring Break trips together, since they normally have opposite schedules.
Players on the women's team try to go out and support the men's team whenever they are around for their matches, Aven said.
"I know some of the guys reciprocate it, but I don't feel like it's been fully reciprocated. I've been a little but frustrated by that," Aven said.
Jo Wagstaff, the women's tennis coach, said interactions between the men's and women's tennis teams depend on the makeups and personalities of the teams. She said the coaches try to schedule mixed doubles practices occasionally.
"It's good practice for us to play with them. For us it's good practice because they hit it harder," Wagstaff said.
The women's tennis team went 16-0 in the Northwest Conference this year and claimed the conference title. Aven said this is in large part due to the bonds within the team.
"Regardless of whether we win or lose, we've become a little family," Aven said.
Aven said this is the first year the team has had a male assistant coach.
"He lends a lot of balance to the team," Aven said.
Aven said she has, however, appreciated being able to work under a female coach.
"There are a lot of life cycles you go through being a female athlete in college. It's been nice to have a female role model who understands," Aven said.
Contact Jasmine Linabary at jasmine.linabary@whitworthian.
-Read related article: "Athletics makes steps toward equality"
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