NGU men’s tennis stronger than ever with Tease, Hernandez and Kantola’s leadership
Photo courtesy of Devonaire Willoughby
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
The North Greenville University men’s tennis team has been putting on great performances this season, setting new records and solidifying its place as a formidable team in college tennis.
Led by coach Michelle Tease, team captain Will Hernandez and graduate student Juho Kantola, the team’s success can be attributed to a combination of experienced leadership, fresh talent and an unbreakable family sense.
As the season progresses, the team aims to continue its upward trajectory and secure a spot among the best in the conference.
Tease, in her second year as head coach of the NGU men’s and women’s tennis teams, has played a key role in the success of the men’s team. She joined the program last year and highlighted the progress of her team.
Nothing is more important than the impact of returning players with more maturity and the addition of experienced players.
“The returning freshmen have grown as individuals and tennis players, and Juho has changed the game, both on and off the court,” said Tease.
The recent win against Limestone College was a historic achievement for NGU, as it was the first time the team had beaten Limestone. Tease described it as a major milestone.”
Tease said, “This is the first time we have been able to come up with a win against them. It shows how far we’ve come as a program.”
Hernandez, junior and captain of the NGU men’s tennis team, shares Tease’s feelings about the team’s growth. Hernandez played a crucial role in the team’s victory over Limestone in both singles and doubles.
“It was huge for our team, for our confidence. Thanks to my experience and my teammates and all the fans, we were able to make it at the end,” said Hernandez
As captain, Hernandez focuses on fostering camaraderie within the team. He believes that strong relationships among the players are a key factor in their performance.
“We are building something special here in North Greenville. The sky is the limit for this team,” Hernandez said.
A key addition to the NGU men’s tennis team this season is Kantola, a sixth-year player from Finland. Kantola, who previously played at Michigan and Denver, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having been ranked in the top 25 nationally at one point in his career.
His transition from a first-year international player to a team leader has been a story of growth, both on and off the court. His experiences helped him adapt and develop, which has now allowed him to take on a leadership role.
“At the end of the day, it’s a team effort. I try to bring consistency and a positive atmosphere to the team, whether it’s in practice or during games,” said Kantola.
Kantola is also focused on ensuring the team remains united, recognizing that tennis, while often viewed as an individual sport, requires a strong collective effort to succeed.
“We have to be a unit together and just work hard every single practice,” said Kantola.
Their recent victories, including the historic win against Limestone, are a testament to the progress they’ve made. More importantly, the team’s growth is rooted in a strong sense of camaraderie and a shared belief in their potential.
As the season continues, the team is not just focused on winning matches but on building something that will last beyond this year. With a solid foundation of talent, leadership and ambition, the NGU men’s tennis team is determined to make a mark on the program’s history.
For Tease, Hernandez and Kantola, the message is clear: the sky’s the limit.
