Texas Tech University Athletics
Q & A With Head Coach Tim Siegel
March 26, 2004 | Men's Tennis
March 26, 2004
By Steve Brewer, Texas Tech Athletic Media Relations - Tim Siegel embodies the athletic fire and competitiveness that is a common thread in Red Raider sports. A native of New Orleans, Siegel received a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Arkansas. Following his collegiate tennis career at the University of Arkansas, Siegel competed professionally. Siegel began coaching the women's tennis team at SMU in 1990 and during his stint with the Mustangs also served as assistant coach of the men's tennis team. Coach Siegel left the Mustangs in 1993 to start his coaching career at Texas Tech University. Siegel has served Texas Tech proudly and successfully, leading the men's program to five NCAA tournament appearances. Leadership, teamwork, academics, and team chemistry are a few of the key ingredients Siegel believes are necessary to contend in the prestigious Big 12. Siegel is currently completing his 11th season as head coach of the men's tennis team at Texas Tech. We recently had a chance to volley questions and answers with Coach Siegel. Here are a few things he had to say..............
Q. In your opinion, what is the best thing about Texas Tech University?
A. "Definitely the competition of the SWC and now the Big 12 attracted me to Tech. The people of Lubbock have kept me here for all this time. I really enjoy Lubbock and it is a great place to raise a family. So there are a lot of things not just from a coaching standpoint, but also a personal view."
Q. What do you look for in a recruit?
A. "The attitude and work ethic of the athlete is very important. I believe talent is overrated, especially in tennis. I look for guys with more of a tough, blue-collar attitude toward playing. Obviously talent is important, but in college tennis it's all about teamwork and chemistry and how a team fights."
Q. So far, what is the best part about coaching at Texas Tech University?
A. "The Big 12 Conference brings so much. I really enjoy working with all the coaches here and there is a good atmosphere."
Q. How did playing in college help you as a coach?
A. "We were ranked in the top-ten at Arkansas, so I was exposed to high levels of competition. Playing professionally helped me discover what a player needs and what it takes to be all that you can be. These experiences have helped me realize what it takes to be successful day in and day out."
Q. Please comment about leadership on this year's team.
A. "Leadership on a tennis team is crucial to its success. The number one player needs to be a player who leads by example. Your captains are vital to the success of the team. You cannot win on talent alone. You need guys who can get on each other when they are not performing the way they should. This year we have two juniors who are captains and are doing a great job leading."
Q. What strengths does assistant coach Efe Ustundag bring to the coaching staff?
A. "He understands the game very well and the type of tennis I expect. He was a great player at Rice and brings much experience with him."
Q. What is your impression of the facilities and academics here at Texas Tech?
A. "We have one of the best tennis facilities in the country. We have worked very hard to get the facility. We owe everything to the McLeod's and are improving the McLeod Tennis Center every year. The improvement of all facilities around campus helps attract recruits and boost morale. Academically, we have a beautiful new building in the Marsha Sharp Center. My players know how I stress academics and I believe we have had a 3.0 team GPA every semester since I have been here. Academics are very important to me and to Texas Tech University."
Q. What do your foreign players bring to the program?
A. "College tennis is certainly an international sport. We have ten players and seven are international students. I can tell you a lot of times that international players are grateful for what they have. When you incorporate that with the team aspect, you have a great mix. International players are a must and there are so many great international players overseas. International athletes contribute to team chemistry, which is vital."
Q. What do you enjoy most about Lubbock?
A. "My family. I have two daughters. There is nothing more important to me than family. I love taking my family to Tech sporting events. As a coach you are very busy during the season so during my free time I enjoy spending time with my family."
