GC had high hopes for the 2001 season, but trouble began for The Pride when the top two singles players were declared academically ineligible at the end of the fall semester. Then second team all conference player Nickolay Bochilo suffered a season-ending back injury and junior Brandon Brookshire became a three-sport letter-winner this spring by earning a spot in the golf team’s starting five. 

Players like senior Tommy Waters seized the opportunity and stepped up as the #1 singles player. He impressed everyone with his athleticism and graceful play. 
Waters went from being an outstanding athlete with little tennis experience, to one who could play stroke-for-stroke with the best players in the region. In fact, he forced one of the top players in America to a second set tie-breaker at Averett this year. He embodied the work ethic it takes to be a #1 singles and doubles player. 

Senior Mitch Haney dominated a Division I player from Holy Cross at #2 singles. He also pushed the region’s sixth ranked player to a 7-5 set in the Dixie Conference Tournament. Overcoming an unstable shoulder, he hit enough bombs to live up to his nickname, “The Big Show.” 

Meanwhile, first team all-conference soccer player Michael Smith proved his hands were every bit as quick as his feet as the #3 singles player. And senior Pete Kusiak was the champion of the Ferrum Invitational Tournament at #6 singles, and earned third place in the conference tournament. He competed even with a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder.

The team Newcomer Award was a difficult choice for the team. Both newcomers contributed in unique ways. However, Smith jumped two seeds to play #3 singles and also moved to #2 doubles—both quantum leaps in the sport of tennis. The  Kiwi from New Zealand played some brilliant tennis in spite of his lack of experience. Greensboro’s other rookie was former Pride men’s soccer All-American Henderson Hicks. 

In addition, junior Lucas Conkle had an outstanding year at #4 singles and was the team’s most improved player.