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Air Force Women's Tennis Ready to Take Off
Falcons hoping to build off successful season. (2/3)
Feb. 3, 2000 In her first season at the helm of the Air Force Academy Women's team, Kim Gidley helped guide the Falcons to one of the most successful seasons in Academy history. The question begs to be asked, what can the women do for an encore? Plenty if Gidley has it her way. After posting a 20-10 record (19-10 against Division I opponents), she has high expectations for this year's team. Led on the court by team captain Julie Weiss, the team boasts a strong group of returning letterwinners including fellow firstclassmen (seniors) Mae Li Amick, Nadine Lynn and Jen Shelby, secondclassman (junior) Kristel Chuntraruk, thirdclassmen (sophomores) Brooke Parsons, Alysia Camel, Claire Waltman and Ashley Gee. Each has seen action at the Division I level. Parsons looks to improve on her already impressive collegiate record of 21-3 from last year's rookie season. This fall, Parson's posted a 9-6 record while playing a majority of her matches at No. 1 singles. She also looks for a regional ranking this spring. The top of the lineup will see action from firsties Lynn, who has competed at No. 1 singles since her rookie year, and Weiss, who has improved her game to where she can compete with anyone at the top of the lineup. Another top addition who can push for the top spot is two-degree Kristel Chuntraruk. "Kristel has the desire and mindset to compete with the best," said Gidley. Three degrees Gee, Camel and Waltman will also look for playing time in the spring. Gee posted a team-best singles results in the fall with a record of 6-3 while competing in the bottom half of the lineup. Also added into the mix is one of the most talented groups of newcomers in Air Force Women's Tennis history. The group includes Susan Doyle, Jennifer and Christine Nigro, Kelli O'Bryant and Heather Shelby. All saw some playing time during the fall season. O'Bryant, a local standout who played at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs, saw a lot of action in the fall at the bottom of the singles lineup. With a USTA National Ranking, and experience in the fall, Gidley is looking for her to make a push higher in the lineup. Another player who held a USTA National Ranking is Heather Shelby from Torrey Pines High School in San Diego. She looks to contribute in the singles lineup.
"In the fall, I was impressed with the four-degrees coming in and their contributions to doubles play," Gidley said. "With the upperclassmen's knowledge and underclassmen's experience, we are looking for bigger and better results in the spring."
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