Chemistry has helped improve men’s squad

By Kristina Haumschild | gargoyle@flagler.edu
Photo by Mary Elizabeth Fair

PHOTO CAPTION: David Cotrone has been one of Flagler’s best players this year.

The Flagler men’s tennis team has found its form, and in turn, has helped produced a 9-6 season.

“We’re a better team [from last year]. The team has a lot of good chemistry and we’re playing well,” Coach Walter Shinn said.

“We’re moving in the right direction and will finish with a winning record.”

Shinn credits this year’s success to the strength of team chemistry. Freshmen Gino Ramirez, J.P. Llano and Mason Addison have gelled well with the team and have been key contributors from the start.

“Gino, J.P. and Mason have been such great additions to the team this season,” Shinn said. “They’ve definitely been a key component to our winning record.”

Besides Ramirez at the No. 2 slot, No. 1 David Cotrone and No. 3 Harry Snoxell have anchored the Saints.

On the season, Cotrone and Snoxell have tallied nine wins apiece for the Saints.

“David Cotrone is our strongest mentally. Physically, Harry Snoxell is a really talented player. He hasn’t performed to the level he can [because of injuries], but he’s still been strong,” Shinn said.

Shinn has had a great year coaching this team as well and can’t wait for next season.

“It’s been a fun ride. It has been an excellent season,” Shinn said.

With one match remaining against Rollins College on April 11, what’s next for the men’s tennis team?

“Well, next year we’ll be in a conference [Peach Belt] and we’re looking forward to it,” Shinn said.

“We’ve played three teams in the conference and lost only one of them.”
In the Peach Belt, the men will face some tough competition from Georgia Southwestern, North Georgia, Armstrong Atlantic and Columbus State.

At the conclusion of the season, Shinn will lose one senior, Kyle Maloof, but will add four outstanding freshmen. Shinn looks forward to what the team will accomplish in their inaugural season in the Peach Belt Conference.