Janasek Leads Women's Tennis

By Nick Mooney

The Loyola Women’s Tennis Team has started off the season strong with a 10-3 record, 2-1 in the MAAC, and much of their success can be attributed to sophomore sensation Rachel Janasek. This past Sunday, Janasek won her doubles match 8-3 with senior Kerri Swan, along with winning her singles match 6-2, 6-3. Janasek has a 6-2 singles record on the year, and has been a major factor to the Loyola tennis program for the past two years.

Janasek is by no means a newcomer to the tennis game. She hails from Ridgefield, Connecticut, where she has been playing tennis for most of her life. Janasek played tennis at Ridgefield High School, but that is not where her tennis career began. She played in USTA (United States Tennis Association) tournaments throughout New England ever since she was 8 years old. “I always knew that I had a good feel for the game when I was younger,” said Janasek. “But playing in the USTA really brought out my potential, and I realized that I wasn’t going to stop playing tennis.” In her freshman year, Janasek played No. 1 singles and doubles, and was named the team’s Most Valuable Player. She was also named the 2009 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Rookie of the Year. Janasek led the Greyhounds in singles action posting 17 wins in her rookie year as the No. 1 player, and also recorded a 14-8 doubles record. “Rachel is an enormous contribution to this team,” said Head Coach Rick McClure, who has been coaching the women’s tennis team for the past 18 seasons. “She thrives on the tennis court, and we expect great things from her during her tennis career at Loyola.” Off the court, Janasek is Communications major, and also plays in the intramural softball league with her friends. “You wouldn’t know Rachel is the Loyola tennis star when she’s out here with us,” said sophomore Phil Fusco, captain of Janasek’s intramural softball team. “She’s a very humble player. It would help the team though if she played softball like she does tennis”

Despite her outstanding freshman year, Janasek is aiming higher. “This year, my goal is to win the MAAC championship and attend the NCAA tournament,” said Janasek. “I am also striving to win MAAC player of the year.”

Janasek and the Greyhounds continue their season on Monday, April 5, at Rider University.

Image from Loyolagreyhounds.com