Mizzou Tennis is kicking off a whole new era under Coach Robin Goodman, and get this: the squad has only one returning player on the roster. Seriously, that’s a rebuild from the ground up! The first real glimpse into what this program is all about wasn’t some fancy match, but a practice session absolutely buzzing with competition, coaching, running, and constant communication. While the official start to the Goodman era kicks off Friday at the Husker Invitational in Lincoln, Nebraska, it’s these habits forged now that’ll truly matter down the line.
Every Point Counts: Goodman’s New Foundation
Forget just hitting balls around; this practice was a masterclass in foundation building. Goodman’s philosophy is crystal clear: “What we’re hammering home with our girls is competing for every single point no matter what the score is.” You saw that everywhere! The drills were intense, designed to test everything from ball control and serving to movement, doubles positioning, reaction training, volleys, and overheads. But it wasn’t just about nailing the shot; it was about consistency. Coaches had players counting consecutive balls, hitting tasks within one-minute windows, and limiting mistakes early on to engrain that focus before things got super competitive.
And the coaches? They weren’t just watching from the sidelines. Associate head coach Manny Raga brought a constant smile and positive energy, while assistant coach Bronte Murgett, a former Tiger herself, wasn’t afraid to jump into drills and raise the energy level. Goodman was all over the court, analyzing details, challenging players, and celebrating every win. These guys are participants in the culture they’re demanding from their team.
Why Mizzou’s Coaches Are Running With Their Players
What truly stood out was how much of this practice wasn’t just about individual skill, but about the *team*. Even though college tennis in the fall is technically an individual sport, with teammates sometimes facing each other across the net, Goodman is pushing a team-first mentality hard. “I think the big focus of this session, but all the sessions really, are around team drills,” Goodman said, emphasizing how “one person does something good or bad, it impacts the rest of the team.”
This commitment was visible in every single drill. When players ran, the coaches ran right alongside them. When someone crushed it, the coaches celebrated like they’d won the point themselves. And when a group hit a snag, the coaches didn’t just move on; they dug in, found the lesson, and pushed them to improve. Murgett summed it up perfectly: “We always want to win the day.” That’s the mindset driving this rebuilt squad.
This Friday at the Husker Invitational, we’ll get to see the first results of Goodman’s new era. But no matter the scores, the real win is already happening on the practice courts, building a cohesive unit from a largely new roster. It’s gonna be wild to watch this team grow.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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