Q: Will USNA ever add women's tennis to its tennis program? Perhaps with the new tennis facilities on the horizon, this might be just the time to do so. The Atlantic region is blessed with competitive tennis programs at the high schools, clubs, and collegiate levels, producing some of the best women talents in the country. It would be great to have Navy in the mix, plus imagine beating USAF and USMA in both men's and women's tennis?! - asked by: Michael Sakaio-
A: You may know the percentage of women in the Brigade has increased from 19% to 22%. With that comes the opportunity to provide more opportunities through women's varsity athletics. Recently, we elevated the women's club lacrosse program to varsity status, commencing with the 2008 season. This decision was a result of a year-long Physical Mission study through which we reviewed all varsity and club sports to determine the best types and numbers of offerings for both men and women. The next women's program earmarked for varsity status is women's tennis. Currently we are constructing a tennis complex across the river next to the Naval Academy Golf Course. The complex will support both indoor and outdoor tennis, ice hockey, rugby, golf and fitness for the Midshipmen. Once the indoor tennis complex is completed, which we expect will be in 18 months to two years, we will enthusiastically address the elevation of women's tennis from club to varsity status.
- answered by: Chet Gladchuk
