Photo by: George Walker/DFWsportsonline
Mustangs Ready For NCAA Tennis Challenge
May 4 | Men's Tennis
DALLAS – Monday was one of many moments Grant Chen dreamed about when he took over the SMU men's tennis program four years ago.
Just outside the window was a sun-soaked view of the state-of-the-art Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex. Inside the room where the Mustangs were gathered were more than 150 school officials, supporters and fans eager to be there and celebrate with the team when the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed. Smiles were aplenty as the American Athletic Conference Tournament trophy sat proudly on display for all to see.
It was truly the celebratory event he hoped it would be.
"I think the guys have been able to feel how special of an accomplishment that it was. They've really worked hard throughout this season to build ties in the community, to develop relationships with alums and donors and parents and family and the community," Chen said. "By being able to bring everyone together for the announcement, I had goosebumps. It was so special to see how many people wanted to be there to celebrate with the guys and see what was on the horizon."
Chen has often spoken of taking incremental steps to make SMU tennis among the nation's best. This week, the program will take a big one as they head south for the Austin Regional in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs (22-6) will face LSU (15-11) in Friday's opening-round matchup at 10 a.m. The winner of that battle gets the victor of No. 12 Texas (16-10) and Idaho (13-10) at noon on Saturday. SMU is back in the NCAA Championships for the 24th time overall, but is making its first appearance since 2017. The Mustangs are looking for their first NCAA victory since 2016.
Riding an 11-match win streak into the tournament, the Mustangs have had plenty of time to celebrate the AAC championship and prepare for NCAAs. SMU knocked off three-straight opponents over a three-day stretch in Tulsa to win the conference tournament back on Sunday, April 24.
Now, it's back to business in a win-or-go-home setting.
"Our expectations are to just go out there and give it our all and see where the cards fall," sophomore Adam Neff said. "I was fortunate enough to be on an incredible team last year at North Carolina, so I was able to witness firsthand what it takes, and it gave me the experience for these moments. Overall, it's a sense of excitement because I'm grateful to be able to play the sport that I've played since I was child, trying to enjoy each moment is the biggest piece for me this season."
The Tigers and Mustangs are no strangers to each other, having played 12 times since 1985. LSU holds a 7-5 advantage in the series, including wins in 2019 (6-1) and 2020 (4-0).
Since the draw was announced, Chen has made sure his players understand just how tough their opponent is. While only four matches above .500, LSU is one of 10 SEC teams to make the field of 64, the most of any conference, with five of those earning one of the top 16 national seeds.
SMU's recent hot streak versus LSU being battle-tested all season long will certainly make for an interesting matchup. For Chen, he hopes it leads to the next step in his program's growth.
"I think we're expecting an absolute battle, which I know we're going to get because this is a very, very tough team," Chen said. "We're up for a huge task, but I know the guys are excited about the opportunity and I really do think it's a moment they're going to embrace."
Just outside the window was a sun-soaked view of the state-of-the-art Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex. Inside the room where the Mustangs were gathered were more than 150 school officials, supporters and fans eager to be there and celebrate with the team when the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed. Smiles were aplenty as the American Athletic Conference Tournament trophy sat proudly on display for all to see.
It was truly the celebratory event he hoped it would be.
"I think the guys have been able to feel how special of an accomplishment that it was. They've really worked hard throughout this season to build ties in the community, to develop relationships with alums and donors and parents and family and the community," Chen said. "By being able to bring everyone together for the announcement, I had goosebumps. It was so special to see how many people wanted to be there to celebrate with the guys and see what was on the horizon."
Chen has often spoken of taking incremental steps to make SMU tennis among the nation's best. This week, the program will take a big one as they head south for the Austin Regional in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. The Mustangs (22-6) will face LSU (15-11) in Friday's opening-round matchup at 10 a.m. The winner of that battle gets the victor of No. 12 Texas (16-10) and Idaho (13-10) at noon on Saturday. SMU is back in the NCAA Championships for the 24th time overall, but is making its first appearance since 2017. The Mustangs are looking for their first NCAA victory since 2016.
Riding an 11-match win streak into the tournament, the Mustangs have had plenty of time to celebrate the AAC championship and prepare for NCAAs. SMU knocked off three-straight opponents over a three-day stretch in Tulsa to win the conference tournament back on Sunday, April 24.
Now, it's back to business in a win-or-go-home setting.
"Our expectations are to just go out there and give it our all and see where the cards fall," sophomore Adam Neff said. "I was fortunate enough to be on an incredible team last year at North Carolina, so I was able to witness firsthand what it takes, and it gave me the experience for these moments. Overall, it's a sense of excitement because I'm grateful to be able to play the sport that I've played since I was child, trying to enjoy each moment is the biggest piece for me this season."
The Tigers and Mustangs are no strangers to each other, having played 12 times since 1985. LSU holds a 7-5 advantage in the series, including wins in 2019 (6-1) and 2020 (4-0).
Since the draw was announced, Chen has made sure his players understand just how tough their opponent is. While only four matches above .500, LSU is one of 10 SEC teams to make the field of 64, the most of any conference, with five of those earning one of the top 16 national seeds.
SMU's recent hot streak versus LSU being battle-tested all season long will certainly make for an interesting matchup. For Chen, he hopes it leads to the next step in his program's growth.
"I think we're expecting an absolute battle, which I know we're going to get because this is a very, very tough team," Chen said. "We're up for a huge task, but I know the guys are excited about the opportunity and I really do think it's a moment they're going to embrace."
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
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