In the 2022-23 women’s tennis season, Guilford women’s tennis was 1-13 overall, with only one Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) win. This season, however, they’re 8-5, a tremendous improvement from an almost-defeated season three years ago. With the help of Head Coach Kim Kleimeier, women’s tennis is currently ranked third in the ODAC and has a strong chance of finishing within the top ranks of the conference this year, the first time since the 2017-18 season.

When head coach Kim Kleimeier became the head coach in 2018, Guilford had just finished fourth in the ODAC standings. With changes in leadership, however, that same momentum didn’t last.

“There was a transitionary period,” said Kleimeier. “I think with athletics, you have to be willing to pivot.”

In team captain Ashley Belnap’s first season, the 2022-2023 season, Guilford was nearly in last place, along with a shortened fall season and a short roster. 

“I don’t think we had enough people to be able to really compete with other schools,” said Belnap. 

Slowly but surely, Guilford started to increase their win percentage and climb in the standings. After three years of growth, the Quakers are now solid competitors in the ODAC and look promising in the end-of-season standings for the conference tournament. 

“I think whenever you look at success for anything, it doesn’t happen overnight,” said Kleimeier. “Sometimes it just takes the right circumstances, the right people coming together, to make it all gel.”

Kleimeier and Belnap both mentioned the recent addition of assistant coach Alex Dunzweiler as a driving force for recent success. Dunzweiler, who officially joined the program this season, emphasized the importance of the process over results for building team confidence and skill.

“I will say, the girls are so locked in this year,” said Dunzweiler. “It’s been really cool to see them just really focused.”

Dunzweiler also noted Kleimeier’s willingness to let him contribute to the team. “I really want to thank [Kleimeier],” said Dunzweiler. “She’s allowed me to coach and bring a lot to practice.” 

Both coaches highlighted the addition of new players as another big part of Guilford’s success, specifically Carolina Dirk, the No. 1 singles player, who is only in her first year of tennis with the Guilford team. 

“She has just been an absolute rock at the top of the lineup,” said Dunzweiler.

Belnap also praised Dirk and mentioned her hard work.

“She’s definitely a hot commodity right now, and she’s done really good on the team with her win streak,” said Belnap. 

Both coaches also highlighted team captain Ashley Belnap as an important part of the team and its chemistry.

“People really rally around her,” said Dunzweiler.

As the team captain, Belnap emphasizes the importance of hard work and determination for success and that she tries to incorporate those ideas into her leadership. 

“I would say that I think I do bring a strong leadership style to the team,” said Belnap. “I’m a little bit more like, put your head down and work.”

While Guilford has been on a winning streak, all three leaders agreed that the longevity of the season and the talent of the upcoming teams they are facing are among the biggest challenges left in the season.  

“I think it’s just going to be a matter of being able to keep the fatigue down,” said Kleimeier. 

Although Guilford women’s tennis will be facing some tough competition in their upcoming games, they have improved tremendously over the past three years and have turned the program around.

“I’m really proud of this group of athletes,” said Kleimeier. “I just want them to soak it all in.”