Men's Tennis | 6/12/2024 2:31:00 PM

BLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The Bloomsburg tennis team has announced its captains for the 2024-25 season. Leading the men's team is Fernando Barros (Sao Paulo, Brazil/Hoosac School) and Vishesh Patel (Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India/Asia English School), while Alese Rinker (Altoona, Pa./Altoona Area) and Lexi Quackenbush (Pittsburgh, PA/Fox Chapel) will serve as the captains for the women's team.
 
"I'm very pleased and excited about our team leadership for next year and the choices for captains as voted on by their teammates," said head coach Rebecca Helt.
 
Helt has emphasized leadership since she took over in 2019. "Leadership is something we've talked about since the day I arrived, and I've seen incredible growth from all members of both teams." 
 
Patel enters the 2024-25 season after earning All-PSAC Second Team Doubles recognition. Alongside Sergio Dilan (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Cedin), the paring went 7-6 in singles action, with a 4-2 record in conference play. "Vishesh leads the team with work ethic, commitment, accountability, determination and talent, making him the perfect choice to lead the team by example," said Helt. "He brings a lot of experience and support to all members of the team, and I know I can always count on Vishesh to be the best leader. He pushes his teammates to always be their best every day."
 
"I am honored to be captain this year. Together, this team will achieve great things. I am excited about our potential and commitment towards fostering a positive and hardworking team environment."
 
Barros enters his final season after amassing a 5-8 singles record in 2023-24. He posts a 14-13 singles record and a 14-19 doubles record in three years with the Huskies. "Fernando had an unfortunate start to his collegiate career and didn't play his first match until the end of his first year," stated Helt. "Through that hardship and frustration, he learned a lot of valuable lessons and relied on alternate ways to support the team.  Last year, Fernando was unanimously voted captain by his peers and helped lead the team to a solid and successful season.  The way he carries himself in competition has been a great example to our younger players as they embark on their collegiate tennis careers."
 
"Being captain for this team is both challenging and a great pleasure," said Barros. "Guys from all over the world, have a common passion for tennis. I'm very proud of this team for the things we've worked on together and the things we've accomplished, but also excited for the next season to do even better."
 
Quackenbush earned a pair of all-conference selections last year. She was recognized with PSAC East First Team Doubles and Second Team Singles honors. The Pittsburgh native went 11-8 in doubles action and 8-11 in single play. "Alexis took on a tough role as a freshman, playing at the top of line-up," said Helt. "She has been at the number one singles and doubles position for the past two years, a position that represents leadership just by its' nature.  She has worked hard on her mental toughness as she has learned to adapt to playing a new style of tennis since entering college.  Her willingness to adapt and overcome frustration has earned her one of the best records on our team.  I know she will help Alese push our team to a new level this year."

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to lead by example and that my teammates have chosen me to be one of their leaders," Quackenbush said. "I'm very excited to see what this team can do this upcoming year!"
 
Rinker went 7-6 in singles action while posting a 6-3 doubles record in 2023-24. "Alese demonstrated outstanding leadership skills the moment she arrived at Bloomsburg," Helt said. "The way she approaches all her tasks, with such organization, motivation and drive to succeed, is exactly what we want to see from all our athletes. She cares about the success of every member of our team, and I couldn't ask for better leadership or a better captain."
 
"I'm honored to be captain again this year," said Rinker "Being captain is not just about being the best player possible, it's about being a leader, a motivator, and role model for your team. I look forward to pushing my teammates to be their very best."