The Bellevue College Women’s Tennis program has created quite a name for itself after five consecutive Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges tennis championships under experienced head coach Jason Chapman. The Bulldogs finished their regular season schedule atop the division with a 10-5 overall record (9-5 against league opponents).
Prior to their match against Green River Community College on May 7, Chapman mentioned that even though he expected a tough, hard-fought match, his team was ready and full of confidence. Green River Community College is a strong program and finished in second place last year behind the Bulldogs. BC also won the first meeting between the two teams earlier this year: 4-2.
“Well they can always do better, but they have gone 110% and I am pretty much satisfied with the scores,” said Chapman. “We worked so hard in practice, especially on the strokes, strategy, single and double games.”
Other than hard work, practice and an emphasis on consistency, Chapman added that before every single competition, he and his team would prepare by reviewing the last match in which they previously faced their opponent. The girls would study and strategize for the match. That kind of dedication seems to be the key to Bellevue’s sustained success.
Chapman respects every single player on his team and her own unique personality and skill sets, and he hopes to expand the team. “There is one international student that I want to get. It’s too bad that she can’t join us because of her college courses,” he said.
Chapman also discussed the kind of player he looks for as a coach. “The most important one is consistent, not making mistakes during the game. The other one is someone that plays with a positive attitude.”
As the coach of the outstanding tennis team here at BC, Chapman has played competitive tennis since high school and has taught professional tennis teams and clubs for years. It is more than reasonable for us to believe that he has the ability to continue the ongoing pattern and lead Bellevue women’s tennis to their sixth, seventh, and perhaps even more championships in the NWAACC.