The Emporia State tennis teams will begin their new season by defending their home courts as they host the ESU Fall Invitational Tournament this Friday.

This year’s squad will sport an international flair with players from all over the globe. New Zealand, Brazil, Spain, India, Peru, Germany, and Bolivia will all be represented by the Hornet tennis team.

“A few years ago, we made an effort to reach out to the globe in terms of recruiting,” said John Cayton, head tennis coach. “The idea was to deepen the talent pool and the variety of playing styles. We’re trying to have more bullets in our gun so to speak.”

Highlighted by a spring break trip to St. Louis, the Hornet tennis schedule reflects the theme of its players as most tournaments will be played away from home.

“We have a lot of away matches this year, and while that may sound bad, our guys and girls are really looking forward to it,” Cayton said. “Trips really help boost the team’s sense of comradery.”

The Hornet tennis teams are looking to build on one of their most successful seasons in recent memory, 2014 which saw a combined record of 22 wins and 20 losses across men’s and women’s competitions.

“With the people that we have in place, a lot of them have been here a year, so building on a fantastic year last year is definitely one of our goals,” Cayton said.

The same attitude is present in all of the squad’s players as they realize that this year marks a step forward for the program. Two veterans in particular had sentiments echoing their coach.

“I’m looking forward to bonding with my team, playing lots of competitive matches, and just being around the sport I love,” said Amy Fugit, junior math and pre-engineering major. “Last year was great and I want it to extend into our play this year.”

“I’m excited to see what we can do this year,” said Keenan Smith, senior history major. “Last year was the best we’ve had since I’ve been here and one of the best we’ve had as a program in a while, and I think everybody is looking to build on that.”

Expected to play much of his competitions in the number one position for the men’s team, Smith realizes his importance to the squad as he is one of only two seniors.

“My goal is to be the best leader I can be and to just be there for the guys, helping them learn the things that I struggled with,” Smith said. “All in all, I’m looking forward to this year and getting to know my teammates better. I want to make my last year special.”

The Emporia State Fall Invitational Tournament begins at 10 a.m. this Friday on the Milton Tennis Courts and will conclude on Sunday, Sept. 6.