“She’s probably the best player I’ve ever coached, and I’ve been here 19 years,” women’s tennis head coach Bill Maze said.
Senior Megan Heneghan’s 7-4 match record in singles matches this quarter, not including an unfinished match that she was leading by a set, seems to match the statement made by her coach.
All of her matches have all come at the number one position, meaning that she faced the top player from the opposing team every time she stepped on the court in singles, making her record all the more impressive.
Heneghan backed her strong singles play up with impressive doubles results as well. Partnering mainly with senior Melissa Kobayakawa, Heneghan boasts a 9-3 doubles record for the quarter, giving her team a chance to win the crucial doubles point virtually every time she took the court.
The women’s tennis team now has a 6-6 dual match record through this quarter, and Heneghan’s impact is clear to see. Besides the positive statistical results, the rest of the team receives a mental boost knowing that their star player can be counted on to give them a win at the number one position as well as a doubles win.
Heneghan’s play has not only led the Aggies to victory, but has also impressed opponents. Heneghan received the Big West Tennis Athlete of the Week honors this season, the third time in her career which she has received this reward.
“Her greatest strength is her competitiveness,” coach Maze said. “She gives [her opponents] nothing. She plays phenomenal defense and has become much more offensive.”
Heneghan was also recently awarded one of the two Big West Scholar-Athlete awards given to UC Davis for the 2013 season. She is one of only 18 athletes from the Big West Conference to receive the award.
The former Big West Freshman of the Year has really put together a stellar career here at UC Davis. From winning matches to winning accolades, she has really done it all. Her senior year has really been no different, Heneghan has been a key cog in the UC Davis women’s tennis team.
Heneghan’s combination of on-court success and leadership, as well as her off-court achievements, make her the Female Athlete of the Quarter.
