Since 1971 Women’s Tennis at Middlebury has seen many successful seasons, but most notably the 1992-1993 season under coach Gail Smith.
Shelley Morse on the front page of the 1992 Middlebury Women’s Tennis Brochure
The 1992-1993 Middlebury Women’s tennis team is the most successful in College history, capturing both the singles and doubles titles at the NCAA National Tennis Tournament. The Panthers placed third in the New England Championships and concluded with a 8-1 fall record. Their outstanding success earned them a seventh place national rating, and second place in the eastern ranking by the ITA.
Helen Motter was a large contributing factor to their success. As a freshman, she led the Panthers throughout the season. She claimed two national titles, winning both the NCAA singles and doubles championships and finished her season with a 29-4 record. In the regular season, Motter won the Rolex Regional Championships and earned a second place ITCA national ranking. Her doubles partner was Nancy Olsen and together they compiled a 24-1 record. Together, they captured Middlbury’s first ever national doubles title.
 Chantal Den Broeder |
 Helen Motter |
 Nancy Olsen |
In addition to her outstanding doubles play, Nancy Olsen was a very strong singles player. She was ranked fifteenth in the eastern ranking and thirty-sixth in the nation. She reached the finals of the Rolex Regional, where she lost to fellow teammate Helen Motter. Sophomore Chantal den Broeder became the first woman in Middlbury history to attend the NCAA Championships in the spring of 1992, and finished twenty-ninth in the eastern rankings by the ITCA.
The 1992-93 Middlebury Women’s Tennis team
Beyond Helen Motter, Nancy Olsen, and Chantal den Broeder, the Panthers had a well-rounded team with experience and depth. They were the team to beat in the New England region and played with an aggressive style. Their “never-say-die” attitude allowed them to dominate the Women’s Division III tennis and make history for Middlebury College.