Returning five letterwinners from last year's squad, which posted a 16-7 overall mark and an 8-3 Mid-American Conference record, and adding four talented newcomers, head coach Ray Reppert hopes this year's Miami University women's tennis team has the winning combination of experience and youth to earn the conference's most-decorated program its 15th league crown.

Reppert knows, however, that his 2002 RedHawks are going to have to work hard in every match to be among the MAC's elite.

"Four or five years ago there were really only two or three top teams in the Mid-American Conference," says Reppert. "Today the MAC is comprised of 10 teams, and there are six that are potential champions. In order for us to be the top team, we need to be healthy and we need to play our best tennis against every opponent. I'm hopeful with our depth this year, we can accomplish this type of competitive consistency."

Three seniors, all captains, lead the RedHawks in their charge for the MAC title. Two-time all-MAC selection Kadija Richards, the RedHawks' only returning all-MAC performer, paces Miami at the No. 1 spot, after leading Miami at No. 2 singles last season.

"Each year Kadija has gotten a better understanding of how to beat opponents," says Reppert. "She's always hit a great tennis ball and has been a great ball striker. She's added some strategies to her hitting, which has made her a more capable player."

Catherine Dilley and Erica Echko are Miami's other two seniors, who are noted for their tremendous dedication to the team. Dilley played the marjor portion of last year at the No. 5 position, but has been playing No. 3 and No. 4 singles this season. Echko primarily played No. 6 singles in 2001, and has been a solid contributor at No. 5 in 2002. Both are also very strong doubles players.

"Erica wins tennis matches-that's her forte," remarks Reppert. "She has unbelievable confidence on the court. Her determination and commitment to doing whatever it takes to get the ball back over the net is remarkable. She has a wonderful sense for the team and what the team needs. She knows how to get the job done and has been good with our freshmen in doubles play in helping them along with this."

"Catherine is a remarkable team player and a tremendous athlete," adds Reppert. "She exhibits this wonderful love of the game, which is what you like to find in a player. Every year she has not only gotten better, but has developed a better attitude toward her competitive skills. Catherine has developed into a very savvy competitor, and this is what I think it takes to beat a player of equal or better ability."

"These seniors," Reppert continues, "have a personality you can't replace. Their commitment to the team and the chemistry they bring to this squad is outstanding. They've all been wonderful people to work with."

Miami has one junior on its roster: Ilse Meyer. Meyer has been plagued with stress fractures in her legs, which has impeded her play through much of the fall and winter. Last season, Meyer was Miami's primary No. 4 player and is working her way back into the lineup as her injuries permit.

"Ilse is the type of player who would give her heart and soul for the team and to play tennis," remarks Reppert. "She is the type of person who is physically capable of outlasting anybody out there. I have a lot of faith in her ability to get balls back, and I think that she is starting to believe in the other aspects of the game which will make her a very tough on-court threat."

Miami's sophomore class is comprised of Megan Zimpfer and Jesse Sikora. Zimpfer has been a nice addition to the RedHawk lineup this season, seeing significant time in both singles and doubles action. Reppert credits Zimpfer with being a vital cog in doubles action last year and sees only tremendous growth in her game this season.

"I see Megan playing from the middle to top of our lineup because of her ability to hit the ball," says Reppert. "She has added more ball control orientation and spin control to her game, which is going to help her be one of our better players. She is a great doubles player because she has the ability to play with anybody."

Sikora is noted as a diligent competitor, who is working very hard to break into the talented RedHawk lineup. "Jesse works hard and is one of those people who puts 100-percent into everything. She works diligently and is developing more of an all-court game, which is suited to her. I always feel that when your heart is in the right place and you work hard, eventually you can accomplish the desired result."

Miami's freshman class-comprised of Grace Cascarilla, Brooke Peyton, Cassie Uhl and Nancy Wiegand-is loaded with talent and has made a quick impact in the RedHawk lineup.

"I am very excited about our freshman class. They come into our program with some great credentials and should really add a lot to what we already have in place," says Reppert. "Grace and Nancy not being able to play in the fall (due to injuries) was disappointing, because you are not exactly sure how they are going to fit into the mix. But thus far our freshman class has been has been a vital addition to our program."

Peyton quickly made her way into the top of Miami's lineup and had has been delivering at those top spots for the RedHawks this season. "Brooke was a highly ranked junior, and I'm looking for great things from her," says Reppert. "What I'm most impressed with is that she enjoys the attack game as well as the steady-contact game. As she develops more confidence and gets more match experience and toughness, there is no limit to what she can do."

Cascarilla also has moved into the RedHawk lineup, mostly playing No. 6 singles. "Grace also was a highly ranked junior, and has the potential to be a strong collegiate competitor," explains Reppert. "I have faith in her ability as an athlete, and I know she has the heart to develop the type of game that's going to make her a premier competitor. She's the kind of player whose climb to heights is up to her."

Wiegand has been a consistent doubles player for the Red and White and has also seen some action at the No. 6 spot. "Nancy is a truly great athlete who also loves tennis," says Reppert. "That combination should help her develop into a great tennis player. If she can stay injury-free for an extended period, we've got a great tennis player. Injuries (to her ankle and back) have prevented her from reaching her true potential at the present time, but I think she has unlimited potential. I believe she's going to be an impact player."

Uhl is characterized by Reppert as a hard-hitter, and is steadily pushing to earn playing time. "Cassie is a very nice competitor, who also had good junior ranking," says Reppert. "I see steady improvement in everything that she does. She is developing into a nice doubles player, and will be an integral part of the whole team."

With 10 solid players vying for six spots, Miami's chances for its 15th Mid-American Conference title in program history, but its first in six years, looks very promising.

"When you have a small team, everybody is vital, and that's something I think all of our players need to learn," says Reppert. "I always feel our chances to win the MAC are as good as anyone else's. I have confidence that we are a competitive team that is capable of not only winning the regular-season MAC championship, but the tournament title, as well."