After transferring from Niagara University prior to last season, senior Alyssa Lucas has amassed an impressive resume as a part of the Grand Valley State University women’s tennis team.

Playing primarily No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles at Niagra, Lucas joined the Lakers, and she has been an integral part of the team ever since.

“Last year, she played just doubles,” said GVSU head coach John Black. “She had a knee surgery the previous spring, and it takes time. Playing singles is more wear and tear on the body, and has more sideways movement than in doubles. So last year, we gave her time to heal and recover.”

During her junior year, Lucas played primarily No. 2 doubles, earning a 27-8 record and advancing to ITA Regional Championship with partner Katelyn Schaffer. She was ranked as high as No. 6 in the Midwest Region doubles rankings.

Now recovered and back up to speed, Lucas has moved on to primarily No. 4 singles and No. 1 doubles.

“This year I get to play some singles, which is nice, because I missed doing that last year,” she said. “I think with doubles, you have someone there with you to rely on and talk to. With singles, you’re out there by yourself; you have to figure out things on your own.”

Lucas said that challenge is rewarding and can be determined by looking at her record this season. Currently 7-0 overall this season, 4-0 in GLIAC play and 9-1 in doubles, Lucas has been one of the team’s top players.

Black described Lucas as a natural leader with talent and a strong arm.

“She has a very strong forehand. That’s one of her strengths as a player,” he said. “She works hard and gets good grades. She’s a senior, so she’s definitely transitioned into a role of team leader from last year to this year. She’s a good example for the freshmen. She helps them out and makes them feel like a part of the team. She’s doing a great job with that.”

Lucas said she enjoys adding to the sense of team camaraderie and frequently goes out of her way to make newcomers feel like a part of the team.

“I think I try to be friends with everyone and talk to everyone, and make sure they all feel welcome,” she said. “Sometimes it’s hard joining a new team, and we have a lot of freshmen this year, so it’s very important.”

One of those freshmen, Kali Phillips, has especially enjoyed learning from Lucas, and appreciates her teammate’s encouragement.

“Alyssa is a great team leader, along with all of the other upperclassmen,” she said. “We have a lot of questions, and they are all there to help us. Alyssa does a great job of keeping us motivated and has made us all feel like a part of the team from the first day of practice.”

Never comfortable with sitting back and deciding she is just good enough, Lucas said she has several things to work on this season.

“I haven’t played singles in over a year, I think I need to get used to it a little more,” Lucas said. “The matches have gone on and I feel like I’m getting better every single match.”

Lucas and the rest of the Lakers will return to action Friday afternoon in Big Rapids against Ferris State University at 3 p.m.

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