Tiger of the Week: Bryce McClanahan
Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
Grade: first-year
Major: undecided
“Bryce has made an impact on the team as he is high in the lineup. He’s won a lot of matches. The guy doesn’t take a point off and treats every point like match point. It’s great to have someone on your team that works that hard and is that competitive. He plays honest and has a great attitude.” - Scott Riggle, head men’s tennis coach
In his first season as a Tiger, Bryce McClanahan has made an impact for the DePauw men’s tennis team. This past week McClanahan secured wins against Wabash College, Wittenberg University and Ohio Wesleyan University in singles matches. He also clinched victories in the no. 1 doubles flight with junior Greg Frauenheim against Wittenberg.
The DePauw (TDP): How is tennis different in college compared to high school?
Bryce McClanahan (BM): It’s definitely a lot harder. The season is longer, the matches are a lot more difficult, and there’s just a lot more work to be put in. In high school tennis there were a lot of easy matches, and you could get away with not always giving 100%, but with college tennis it’s not the case. Every single person is good and can beat you if you’re not on your game.
TDP:What is it like being a first-year playing in the number two spot for singles and the number one team for doubles?
BM: At first it was hard because I was trying to get used to the college tennis experience and had to play at such a high level, but after getting used to it it’s been really fun. Getting to play there has had me play a lot of really good people, and doing that definitely helped improved my game a lot. I don’t really think about being a freshman in regards to it anymore, I just go out, play who I have to play and do my best.
TDP: Where have you seen improvement in your game?
BM: I’d say the biggest improvement in my game has been mentally. I’ve learned to not be so nervous all the time, and to just do the best I can and trust in my game. Doing that has allowed me to be able to relax and go for my shots.
TDP: How do you see yourself improving as a player in the next three years?
BM: If all goes well, I’ll be working to get stronger and fitter because that’s definitely needed, and also to tune up my forehand and serve to where I can be more confident in them during matches.
TDP: Looking forward to conference, do you have any individual goals during those matches?
BM: My goal is always just to give 100% of what I have. Whoever I play and whatever the result, I’m happy as long as I know I did everything I could.
TDP: What is your favorite part of being an athlete at DePauw?
BM: My favorite part would be just getting to meet a great group of people while doing what I enjoy.
McClanahan and the men’s tennis team are back in action on Sat. Apr. 21 with their senior day. They play Washington University at 2:00 p.m. central time.