Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way for a recruit to show interest in the WS Tennis Program?

1. Complete or update your online RECRUIT PROFILE. Once a recruit updates their profile, he will receive information and updates regarding the tennis team.

2. Email Coach Riskie the following:

   • An online video of the recruit playing tennis

   • A player resume/profile

   • High school transcripts

   • Email updates from your tournament/match schedule

3. Schedule a visit to campus to meet with Coach Riskie

How many times per week does the team practice?

• The team practices 6 days a week for 2 hours per day. 

• Coach Riskie works individually with each player for one hour per week outside of team practice. 

• The tennis team has lifting times two times per week in the RFK Varsity Strength Training Center where they are put through a tennis specific workout with our Head Strength and Conditioning Coach. 

• Video review sessions both individually and as a team are scheduled throughout each semester. 

What type of drills and games make up team practice?

• We play a lot in practice. Sets, pro-sets, and tiebreakers are all important parts of the daily practice plan. 

• Doubles is a big focus during practice. We work on serves and returns every practice as well as volleys, lobs, and overheads. 

• Consistency and depth in singles are a big focus in the drills we do.

What conference does William Smith compete in?

• WS competes in the Liberty League.

• This league is made up of strong academic schools with a liberal arts focus spread throughout New York State.

Where does the team travel for spring break?

• Since 2013, the team has traveled to Orlando, FL. 

Does HWS have indoor courts? What other facilities are available for athletes?

• Bristol Field House has 5 indoor tennis courts. These courts host a number of home matches during the year and have hosted the Liberty League Championship tournament in past years. 

• The HWS Tennis Center is located in the middle of campus and consists of 8 outdoor, lighted tennis courts. There is a pavilion for storage and deck for spectator seating. The Tennis Center will host 8 brand new courts starting the summer of 2017.

• The team also has a locker room in Winn-Seeley Gym with locker space for every player and a stringing machine.

Does the campus community support the tennis team?

• Absolutely! We have great fans from students to people from the surrounding Geneva area. 

• The central campus location of our outdoor courts is ideal for drawing a lot of stray foot traffic to watch our outdoor matches.

What type of gear and equipment does the school provide the tennis team?

• The school provides Under Armour practice and match uniforms and well as team travel bags.

• We have two stringing machines. Team string and grips are also provided to the team. 

• Practice and match balls are provided throughout the season.

• Video recording and editing equipment is also provided.

Does athletics receive any support from HWS faculty members?

• A Faculty Athletic Fellow supports the tennis team.

• This is our go to faculty representative, fan, and voice for WS Tennis amongst the faculty.

How does WS Tennis support the team academically?

• Coach Riskie provides members of the team with resources from the Center for Teaching and Learning such as study tips, note taking tips, and mentor contact information. 

• All academic disciplines have a number of Teaching Fellows to provide academic support to the campus community.

• Coach Riskie meets with each first-year student three times during their first semester to discuss academic progress, troubleshoot any problems, and give advice to overcome any issues.

Does the team participate in any community service events during the year?

• Each semester, HWS students participate in a campus wide Day of Service. The tennis team takes on an activity on campus or in town. 

• This past fall semester, the team helped build a playground in downtown Geneva.