By: Andrew West
KENNESAW, Ga. – Rebuilding a program is never easy, especially when a new coach is brought in. Being the first signee of the new coach comes with a different set of pressures. Director of Tennis,
Matt Emery, was brought in to rebuild a program that was ranked in the lower tier of DI tennis. However, one phone call changed the direction of KSU women's tennis and would lead to one of the most successful rebuilds in recent history.
Taylor Dean was a breakout athlete playing at Club Med in Miami. The Swiss-born American started playing in the cold north of Connecticut where indoor tennis was played for most of the season. However, on the advice of her coaches, her family made the move to Florida.
"I would not have changed it for the world," she remarked when asked about the move.
When she got to Club Med, coaches began to take notice of talent and was when Emery would first catch wind of her. He had both coached and played at Club Med, and one of the coaches at the academy, Jeremy Dulot, called Emery regarding Dean.
He recalled when he went visited, "I watched her hit for five minutes and I knew right away this is the person I want."
Since then, Dean has been the keystone to the Owls, leading them to their first major wins against both UAB and Georgia State. However, it's been her ability to overcome adversity that has made her into the special player that she is today. Throughout most of her career, Dean has struggled with many injuries, which for most recruiters, are a red flag. Emery, however, saw it as the opposite.
"It was all stuff she had to overcome," as Emery explained when asked about what made him want to take a chance and recruit her.
Despite her injuries, Dean has remained a leader both on and off the court. On the court, she helps lead the practices and drills as well as being the captain of the team. Even when she isn't on the court, she's there on the sidelines cheering on her teammates. She has also played a big part in helping shape the foundation of the culture around the team. Whether that's organizing team meetings, dinners, or even welcoming in the new freshmen.
Through her leadership and competitive style of play, the Owls have climbed up out of the depths of the rankings and into as high as 68th in the nation. This marks one of the biggest rises in DI women's tennis history.
"This is our chance to keep building," Dean said when talking about climbing up the ranks.
As the spring season draws near, Dean, who is in her final season as an Owl, has her sights set on an even bigger goal. A goal that both Emery and Dean have laid the groundwork for since day one; win the ASUN Conference.
