Junior tennis player Jack Joyce was recently named the Great Lakes Valley Men’s Conference Tennis Player of the Week. The honor followed his strong performances against Tiffin University on Feb. 13, and against Walsh University on February 15.

He was 2-0 in singles matches and while partnered with fellow junior Joel Stern for doubles, Joyce added two more victories bringing him to 4-0 for that weekend.

His wins helped the team to both of their victories against Tiffin and Walsh. This was Joyce’s first GLVC Player of the Week award and the first awarded to a member of the men’s tennis team since 2013.

The Shield sat down with Joyce to learn a little more about the tennis player and his hopes for the season.

The Shield: Are you ready for the tennis season to be underway?

Joyce: I am. Good stuff so far at 3-0. We have tougher competition coming up. That should be more challenging.

The Shield: What’s the greatest thing you want to accomplish this year?

Joyce: Definitely win conference again. Also to host regionals and get to nationals. That’s the goal.

The Shield: Speaking of accomplishments, can you tell us a little about the award you received recently?

Joyce: I received a player of the week award. It’s actually my first time winning it, so it’s pretty cool. 

The Shield: It’s been a couple of years since anyone at USI has received that award. How does it feel that you were the person that did?

Joyce: Well I don’t think anyone has gotten it since my freshman year, so it feels nice.

The Shield: Do you feel like that award has been your biggest achievement since you started playing for the team?

Joyce: No, I’d say the first semester when we won the GLVC Regular Season Conference Championships in 2013 and all that is probably the biggest accomplishment so far.

The Shield: What made you want to come to USI from England?

Joyce: I wanted to go to an NCAA school. It was between USI and Rockhurst. I looked up which one was best online and USI was better, so I decided to come here to have a better chance at winning some titles.

The Shield: Do you feel that USI was good decision?

Joyce: Yeah, definitely.

The Shield: Do you plan on taking your tennis skills anywhere after you finish your playing career at USI?

Joyce: I mean, I want to coach obviously. If  I can, I may try and play a few Futures tournaments to get some points.

Futures tournaments allow players who may be working toward a ranking to compete and earn ranking points. It also gives ranked players the chance to earn career titles and improve their rankings. 

The Shield: What words of wisdom would you give to the four new freshmen: Jack Lipchik, Roman Laga, Sam Kiladejo and Anthony Van Rompay to have a better chance at winning the award that you did?

Joyce: Work hard, play relaxed and have fun.