One of those most notable sports teams in Bellevue College is the women’s tennis team. Following a profound cleanup of all events at last year’s NWAACC Championships, Head Coach Jason Chapman is back again and looking to secure yet another championship title.
The team took first and second place in both Singles and Doubles categories at last year’s NWAACC Championship in Spokane. Additional honors went to team members Jazmin Ahyat, Anissa Bryant-Swift and Amber Portka who were also named to the NWAACC All Academic Sports Team for spring quarter 2012. You can read more about the honors received by last year’s team on the BC Athletics website.
“We have won eight NWAACC Championships in a row” said Chapman, “and that’s our goal every year.”
Following Bellevue’s win at last year’s championship, Chapman was selected Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. He has been coaching at BC since 1998, and is notably the head tennis professional at Robinswood Tennis Center. Chapman’s Assistant Coach Yuri Kida has also been helping the team for the past five years.
Following last year’s victory, the team’s best player, Anissa Bryant-Swift, transferred to Boise State University where she will be continuing her tennis career. This leaves a huge gap to be filled on the roster, resulting in the program looking for “a few great tennis players” to fill the void, according to Chapman.
Season practice begins Feb. 1, and the first match schedule for Mar. 15.
Tryouts will be held Friday, Feb. 1 from 2:15-3:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 4 from 2:30-3:45 p.m., and Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 2:30-3:45 p.m. at Robinswood Tennis Center, 2400 151st Place SE, Bellevue. There is no charge for the tryouts.
“I am looking for players that have played in high school or played in some tournaments” notes Chapman, “no beginning players.”
Basic eligibility requirements as per the NWAACC require prospective athletes to “be officially enrolled for 12 credits during each quarter of participation, have passed a minimum of 12 credits the quarter prior to participating, and to have earned a minimum of 36 credits prior to competing in a second year in the same sport, starting with and including the first quarter of the first season of participation.”
Additionally, “athletes must maintain a 2.00 cumulative GPA during any quarter of participation to be eligible for a second year of participation.”
Individuals interested in scheduling a tryout are encouraged to contact Head Coach Jason Chapman at 425-452-4287 or email jason.chapman@bellevuecollege.edu. For additional information, please review eligibility requirements at http://www.nwaacc.org, or contact Chapman.