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Kinesiology, Athletics and Dance

SRJC Men's Tennis
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SRJC Bear Cubs
Men's Tennis
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Santa Rosa Junior College Men’s Tennis is considered one of the top tennis programs in California.  SRJC is consistently one of the top ranked teams in California and the Bear Cubs are always making a run at the NorCal Team Action ShotTitle.  What separates Santa Rosa JC from most of the other community college tennis programs is the school’s commitment to the student-athlete.  SRJC academics are highly respected and thus, considered one of the top community colleges in the country.  A majority of the student-athletes that play tennis at SRJC transfer to four-year universities, many with tennis scholarships. The Bear Cubs finished the the ’08 season ranked No. 3 in northern California with a first round win against Cabrillo College, then eventually lost a tough match to Foothill in the NorCal Semis. The Bear Cubs clinched the Big 8 North Title going undefeated in league (10-0). SRJC's overall record was 14-6. The No. 1 doubles team of Ensley/Fischer were NorCal Action ShotDoubles Champions to validate their earlier preseason Modesto Tournament doubles championship. KC Ensley and Stewart Hutton finished conference undefeated in singles. Hutton was the 2008 Arthur Ashe Award winner for sportsmanship for Regions I (west coast). Ensley received the "Player-to-Watch" award for the same region. The Bear Cubs will be returning most of their 2008 squad and look to add to their success in 2009. Coach Samonte believes in a balanced approach to developing tennis excellence.  Weight-training, explosive training (Olympic lifts & plyometrics), sprint training, balance, and body awareness exercises are an integral part of the off-court training regime.   Specific singles and doubles drills geared towards competitive preparation are a daily routine for Bear Cub players. A huge emphasis is put on reaching excellence as a team.  Though individual accomplishments are very important, developing a winning spirit and a winning attitude are at the forefront of SRJC tennis.   Growing and maturing as young adults, sportsmanship, and professionalism will always be a requirement of student-athletes at SRJC.

 

 


Coach Samonte

Head Coach
Jay Samonte
jsamonte@santarosa.edu
(707) 524-1787
  • A.A. Santa Rosa Junior College 1987
  • B.A. CSU Long Beach 1991
  • CA Teaching Credential , Physical Education 1992

Jay Samonte will be entering his sixth season with the Bear Cubs.  Jay was a Bear Cub from 1986 to 1987 where he played for legendary coach Izzy Derkos. Jay is also the head women's coach for SRJC, and was the head women’s coach at College of the Desert (2001-2003) and was an assistant coach at Long Beach State (1991-1993, 1998).

Asst. Swenson-Aguirre

Assistant Coach

Ben Aguirre
bsaguirre@greenacrehomes.org
(707) 524-1787
  • M.A., USF 1996
  • B.A. Psychology, UC Davis 1989
  • Santa Rosa Junior College 1985
  • Cardinal Newman High School 1984

Ben Aguirre will be entering his fourth year as an assistant coach.  Benjie played #1 at Cardinal Newman H.S. from ’80-‘84. At SRJC Benjie played #1 for Izzy Derkos and was the Conference Champion and a California State Finalist.  At UC Davis he finished as their #1 player. He was the ITCA Western Region Champion in 1986 & 1989.  He was an All-American in 1987 & 1989.  Benjie finished his college career ranked #2 in the country in 1989.  Also, Benjie received the Gold Ball as  #1 singles USTA league National Champions in 2002.

Lauren Hickey

Assistant Coach
Lauren Hickey
(707) 524-1787
  • M.S. Kinesiology, San Francisco State 2010
  • B.A. Exercise Sports and Science, University of San Francisco 2007
  • A.A. Liberal Arts, Santa Rosa Junior College 2005

Lauren Hickey returns to SRJC after coaching at San Francisco City College for two years.  As a player for Santa Rosa, Lauren was ranked as high as number in the in the State for doubles, and top ten for singles. In her sophomore season she was Nor Cal Doubles Champion, and Nor Cal Singles finalist. Alongside her twin sister they twice were finalists at the prestigious Ojai Valley Tournament.  In both of her seasons at Santa Rosa Lauren earned All-American Honors. After Santa Rosa Lauren went on to compete for the University of San Francisco.  In her time on the hilltop the Dons were received their highest national rank of #67. She is excited to be coaching back at Santa Rosa.