As the women's tennis program continues to grow after its revival in 2004, the coaching staff leads the team with not only a comprehensive view of the future role of the team in the SVC Athletic program, but the importance of the game in the lives of the young women they coach.

Striving to help mold "good kids, good students and then, good players," Bendel, Buoni and Ruffner guide the program and players with the idea that...

#1 Tennis is a lifetime sport -
Sport is a vital part of an active and healthy lifestyle.  But as we grow older, some sports don't provide the opportunity for exercise and competition like tennis.  Hopefully, the young women involved in the program will retain their interest in tennis for their entire lives.

#2 College tennis is competitive -
We intend to play the very best players as we compete against other colleges and universities.  Every young lady will have an equal opportunity to represent the college in competition through team competition and rankings.

#3 Skills will improve -
Every player will have the opportunity to improve and strengthen her skills as a tennis player.  Instruction and training are available at all times.  The players will progress as far as the commitment and skill permit.

#4 - Tennis is fun -
Fun is part of our commitment to the tennis program.  Our expectation is that fun can be very rewarding without harming others in any way.

#5 - The college environment is challenging yet rewarding -
One of the greatest challenges of coaching is helping the players to survive the personal challenges and obstacles that confront them as they journey through their college years.  At times they face awesome hurdles, and we will work with the player, the parents, the teachers and administrators to help them emerge from college prepared for a happy, healthy, and holy life in service to community, friends, family and ultimately to God.