First-year men’s tennis head coach George Hussack is looking to open up his career at the Capstone with dominant play in the Duke Fab Four Invite.
The Crimson Tide men’s tennis team has faltered over the years, especially during the latter part of the season. Last year, the Tide went 2-9 in conference matchups and lacked consistency throughout the fall and spring seasons.
The Tide will be sending four players to Cary, N.C., this weekend including senior Jerryd Botha, juniors Daniil Proskura and Carlos Taborga and freshman Becker O’Shaughnessey.
Hussack said he is looking for the team to show consistent competitive spirit in his first competition as head coach.
“What I’m looking for this weekend is for the four guys to compete,” he said. “I want to just see how these four guys handle match situations against people who are not their teammates.”
Hussack spent the past three seasons as the assistant head coach for the University of Southern California Trojans, who have won the last four NCAA titles, before being tapped as the new head coach at Alabama.
Despite only being with the team for a short period of time, Hussack said he has gelled somewhat with his players and found leadership roles in a fresh start for the Crimson Tide.
“I feel like everyone has been very energetic and responsive,” he said. “I feel like everyone is clear on what we have to do, so we’re all on the same page.”
Hussack said he has relied on senior leadership to begin the season but is looking for each of his players to step up in their own leadership role.
“I’ve leaned a bit more on our two seniors Jarryd Botha and Harris Barnard,” he said. “But I’ve really relied on everybody to do their own thing.”
The fall season is normally considered a growing period for collegiate tennis players, and Hussack said he expects this weekend’s tournament to be no different.
“I think it is a great challenge and a great opportunity for the guys to get into the season,” he said. “I really think they are going to be able to take a lot away from this event.”
One thing Hussack said he would like to not only see this weekend, but throughout the entire season, is consistent and quality play in both the singles and doubles competitions. The Tide struggled in both areas last season, but Hussack said he is more focused on the future and not the past.
“You know, I think we need contributions from everywhere,” he said. “We’re going to need contributions from everyone, one through six. Whatever happened last year, happened last year.”
