Michigan State University women’s tennis is entering a new era, driven by renewed energy, a commitment to growth, and a vision for the future. Under head coach Kim Bruno, the Spartans are building the foundation to establish themselves as consistent contenders in the Big Ten.
With a blend of returning players and fresh talent, MSU has opened the season with impressive victories over Big East champion Xavier and Big 12 opponent West Virginia. These early successes highlight the potential of a team still finding its identity. Bruno views this as the start of the program’s journey, emphasizing daily improvement as the cornerstone of long-term success.
"We’re just at the beginning of our journey here," Bruno said. "If we can build each day, I think we’ll see a lot more success than we have the last two years. The sky’s the limit."
Depth has been a key asset this season. Bruno praised the flexibility of her lineup, with 10 solid options available to step in as needed during the demanding schedule. This depth bolsters the team’s resilience and ensures players are ready to perform when called upon.
"It’s a long season, and you need depth to handle injuries or overuse," said Bruno. "Having players who can step in and step up is a game-changer."
This team’s collective mindset sets it apart. Bruno has fostered a culture of hard work and camaraderie, and the results are evident. Players regularly go the extra mile, dedicating time to additional practice and encouraging each other to improve during training and competition. Though tennis is often considered an individual sport, the Spartans have embraced a team-first mentality, cultivating a competitive yet supportive environment.
Despite not having official captains this season under Coach Bruno, leadership has been vital to the Spartans’ progress. Senior Liisa Vehviläinen has set the tone with her work ethic and consistent performances.
"I wanted to see who emerged naturally as leaders, and Liisa has done that with her work ethic," said Bruno. "She may not lead with her voice, but she leads with her actions. The girls see how much effort she puts in, and they’re following suit. It’s been more of a collective effort this year, which is great"
Bruno’s vision for the program extends beyond this season. She aims for the team to finish in the top half of the Big Ten—a meaningful and attainable goal as MSU builds momentum. Inspired by the success of other Spartan programs, Bruno views this as a foundational year, laying the groundwork for future success.
The journey is just beginning, but Michigan State women’s tennis is progressing with purpose, ambition, and confidence that the best is yet to come.
"The sky’s the limit," Bruno said. "If we can build each day, I think we’ll see a lot more success than we have the last two years."
As Michigan State women’s tennis embarks on this new chapter, the foundation being built today will undoubtedly shape the program for years to come. With a strong blend of talent, depth, and a shared commitment to improvement, the Spartans are poised to make waves in the Big Ten. Under Coach Bruno’s leadership, this team has embraced a collective mindset that transcends individual achievements, setting the stage for a future filled with promise and success.
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