STARKVILLE – If you walk by the A.J. Pitts Tennis Centre on a sunny afternoon, you’ll likely hear some sounds that are typical for an average tennis practice: bouncing tennis balls and shouts of both glee and frustration, just to name a few.
But at Mississippi State, there’s much more going on at women’s tennis practice behind the large, dark windscreens that surround the courts. There are teammates gathered around each other, laughing among themselves during their quick breaks. There’s also a coach who looks on from the side, giving feedback with a jolly demeanor.
Graduate student and team captain Alexandra Mikhailuk is in her fifth season with the Bulldogs, and it’s safe to say that she’s enjoying herself.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Mikhailuk said. “I’m definitely having a lot of fun on the court.”
Much of Mississippi State’s new approach towards tennis has come at the hands of head coach Chris Hooshyar. The Manchester, England, native took on the position in June after spending a decade working with Auburn University’s men’s and women’s tennis programs. As he stepped into Starkville for the first time as a Bulldog rather than an opponent, he was given one main goal to tackle by athletic director Zac Selmon.
“When I came here, [Selmon] said, ‘You know, I want you to pour into these girls, they deserve it,'” Hooshyar said.
He continued, adding his own thoughts on the student-athletes that he’s gotten closer to over the past few months.
“They’re a great group of girls,” Hooshyar said. “They show up every day. They’re working really, really hard.”
It’s evident that Hooshyar loves instructing his student-athletes, and there’s no doubt that they feel the same way in return. Chloé Cirotte, a senior who serves alongside Mikhailuk as a team captain, explained that the first-year coach helps her and her teammates grow in multiple ways.
“He’s very involved in everything he’s doing with the team, each person he takes care of as a human but as a tennis player as well,” Cirotte said.
The native of Orléans, France, has also seen a shift in how the Bulldogs approach each day.
“The whole team with new people is getting more energy and everything,” Cirotte said. “I really do appreciate this atmosphere.”
Mikhailuk shared similar thoughts regarding how her coach has helped the team improve, emphasizing his dedication to…
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