Feb. 21, 2008
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Following a 2007 campaign, in which it went 11-13 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, the Vanderbilt men’s tennis team is a program on the rise, currently sitting at 6-1 on the season and ranked No. 30.
If there were a focal point for the success of the program, Ryan Preston would be at the center of it. As one of two seniors, along with Evan Dufaux, Preston has been the Commodores’ top player for three years running and, more importantly, has taken on a leadership role for a Vanderbilt team that includes four freshmen and three sophomores.
“We are doing our best to help the young guys come along,” Preston said. “I try to set an example daily as far as work ethic.”
This exemplary work ethic has paid off in practice, always cited by coaches as of the utmost importance for the formation of a successful squad.
“We have been practicing very well,” he says, “everything is falling into place.”
Among those that could derive gain from the guidance of Preston would be freshman Bryant Salcedo, who has played doubles with Preston this year. In such a close environment, Preston’s leadership is not only an indirect example, but direct and guiding.
On a broader note, Preston’s experience falls on an opportune time – this year’s Vanderbilt is one of the most promising ones.
“This is the deepest team since I’ve been here,” Preston said.
Such talented underclassmen as sophomore Vijay Paul and freshmen Bryant Salcedo and Alex Zotov, are a large reason why. The trio has posted a 16-4 record in singles play in 2008.
Due to the bevy of talent, Preston thinks coach Ian Duvenhage might be inclined to mix the lineup around. True to form, on Sunday against then-No. 28 Wisconsin, Duvenhage played the part of Tasmanian Devil and wrought havoc to the doubles lineup, pairing each player with a completely new partner. As part of this arrangement, Preston played with Paul. The move paid immediate dividends as Vanderbilt swept the doubles matches.
Off the court, Preston also serves as a model, balancing the rigorous demands of both being a Division I athlete and being an economics major at Vanderbilt.
“It’s a juggling act between practicing, competing, preparing for exams, etc.,” he explains. “You figure out ways to prioritize things.”
Although he admits the dual demands of athletics and school can be tough to handle, he says he wouldn’t trade it for anything, citing the great degree he will receive and how enjoyable his years of Vanderbilt tennis have been.
He even finds time to take a well-deserved nap for 30 minutes or so most days and says his teammates and himself like to watch a movie, relax, and play ping-pong when they find the time.
While he has been able to forge a successful present at Vanderbilt, Preston is less sure about his plans for the future. On the one hand, Preston might try to play professional tennis. On the other hand, he might use his valuable Vanderbilt degree and enter the real world to get a job. Regardless of what his future holds, Preston has been a model of success for Vanderbilt tennis, facing the SEC’s best and still garnering All-SEC honors and finishing with year-end rankings of No. 44 his sophomore year and No. 53 as a junior.
However, in this, his senior year, not only will his play be a large factor in the success of the Commodores, but so will his experience and leadership on an unusually young squad.
