“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance” – Title IX

Women’s Tennis at Middlebury began in 1971 under the direction of Coach Joan Greiner. The Panternettes, as they were once called, have compiled a 327-176-4 record with a .645 winning percentage since their first intercollegiate match. Women’s tennis has not always been viewed in the same light as it is today. In fact, in the early part of the twentieth century it was considered “too rough and unladylike” for women to play tennis.

Singles Player from 1991 returning backhand from beyond the baseline

Singles Player, Leung, from 2012 returning backhand from beyond the baseline

The Middlebury Women’s Tennis team is apart of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), debatably the top conference in the country for Division III. The women’s team plays a season both in the fall as well as the spring. The players play approximately ten matches in the fall, along with multiple tournaments: the Rolex Tournament, the New England Division III Women’s Teniis Championships, the M.I.T Invitational, and the NESCAC Tournament.

Sarah McNealus serving on Proctor courts in 1978

The Middlebury Women’s Tennis team is apart of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), debatably the top conference in the country for Division III. The women’s team plays a season both in the fall as well as the spring. The players play approximately ten matches in the fall, along with multiple tournaments: the Rolex Tournament, the New England Division III Women’s Tennis Championships, the M.I.T Invitational, and the NESCAC Tournament.

The spring season is shorter than the fall season. In the spring, the Panthers participate in seven matches and serves as  hosts to their own Middlebury Invitational. Outside of the season, the team travels together during breaks to play out of region opponents in places such as Florida and South Carolina.

Since their first intercollegiate match in 1971, the women’s tennis team has seen much success. They have made the NCAA Tournament nine times,  finished semifinalists in 2005, and  made a school record with 16 wins in 2004. Furthermore, they have produced three national championships: Lok Sze Leung ’13 for singles, Helen Motter ’96 for singles, and Motter & Nancy Olsen ’93 for doubles.

The 1988 Women’s Tennis Team Photo with head coach Gail Smith

Middlebury Women’s Tennis has come a long way since 1971 in many respects. It is no longer considered “unladylike” or “too rough” for women to play, and their seasons are now much longer; they play a total of  20 matches as opposed to the 8 matches like it was their first season.