ALFRED, NY – Following an Empire 8 Championship run during the 2023-24 season, the Alfred University women's tennis team is preparing to build off their success as the fall season quickly approaches.
The Saxons will be led by Head Coach Jake Fisler, who is entering his first season with the program.
"I'm looking forward to helping this program build upon their previous success, while still implementing my own things as head coach." Fisler said. "The biggest reason I chose Alfred University was because of the team culture. With last season being so successful for this team, I'm looking to see who steps up into a leadership role."
Fisler was appointed Head Men's & Women's Tennis Coach in August. Prior to AU, Fisler was the Assistant Junior Director at the Midtown Athletic Club. Fisler was previously the assistant program manager, tennis instructor and tournament director of the organization. His core responsibilities included overseeing day-to-day operations, running group and individual lessons, and executing select tournaments in the Greater Rochester Area. Fisler is familiar with the Empire 8 conference, having competed with Houghton University as a member of the men's tennis program from 2016-21. During his time with the Highlanders, Fisler was an All-Empire 8 and All-American talent. Competing towards the top of the lineup in doubles and singles action during his fifth-year season, Fisler and Houghton won the 2020-21 Empire 8 Championship.
"Everyone has been locked in throughout preseason," Fisler said. "We are using this time for intense technical development on court. We are continuing to capitalize on our strengths and how we can best use them to accomplish our goals for this season."
Last season, the Saxons finished with a 13-3 overall record, including a 5-1 record in Empire 8 conference competition. In the postseason, Alfred University defeated No. 3 Nazareth University and No. 4 St. John Fisher University to win their first Empire 8 title since the 2004 season. The team later appeared against #16 nationally-ranked University of Redlands last May in the NCAA Division III Regional Championship.
Elizabeth Madsen (Portland, OR/Grant) will be among the returners for the 2024-25 roster for AU. Last season, Madsen was named as the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year and Women's Tennis Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player. She additionally received All Empire 8 First Team honors in singles and Second Team recognition in doubles.
"Liz brings a rock-solid demeanor that is calming presence for the rest of the team," Fisler said. "She excels on and off the court and represents what we want to bring in a competitive space."
Alfred University will begin their fall season at home against Oswego State on August 30. Empire 8 action for the Saxons will open on September 14 at Russell Sage. The Empire 8 Championship is slated to run from October 18-19.
"This is a tight-knit group that will push each other to bring out their best each day," Fisler said. "I want to lead by example and create an environment where everyone can work on their leadership skills. Each player has set their own personal and team academic and athletic goals. We want to hold each other accountable, not just on the court, but in the classroom and in life as well."
