Nawotka making the most of singles shot

by Eric Keppeler
Grand Island Dispatch, May 12, 2006

At 6-foot-3 and with a long wingspan, Grand Island’s Andy Nawotka is hard to beat at the net.
(photo by Joe Eberle)

For three years, Andy Nawotka was a good soldier and played wherever he was asked on the Grand Island tennis team. And since the Vikings were fairly loaded at singles that meant Nawotka found himself playing doubles.

Now a senior co-captain, he has a chance to play third singles for the Vikings this season – and he is making the most of his opportunity.

“Doubles is fun, but the ultimate goal is to play singles, eventually,” Nawotka said. “Usually, the top players are the singles players, and we already have two really good players – so I was happy to get the third spot.”

Grand Island typically is in the thick of the hunt for the Niagara Frontier League crown, and this year is no exception as the Vikings have won four of their first five games.

Nawotka has been a big part of that success, winning his first five matches.

“Andy’s always been a team player, and in the past I’ve used him solely at doubles,” said Grand Island coach Don Pray. “Because he worked so hard during the off-season, I felt that he deserved a shot at singles – and he’s earned it.”

Nawotka had to make a few adjustments in changing his game from doubles to singles – and while there is more pressure and no one with whom to share it, he finds it more enjoyable.

“I’m only depending on myself, and if I lose, than it’s all on me,” Nawotka said. “And I’m OK with that; I’d rather have it that way most of the time. I’ve been working really hard during the off-season, and I think I’m playing pretty well right now. I try and keep up with it year-round and play as much as I possibly can.”

Much of his success can be traced to his play at the net. At 6-foot-3 and with a long wingspan, opposing players simply have a hard time getting the ball past him.

“Andy plays a very good, solid game for a third singles player,” Pray said. “He likes to serve and volley a lot, and some players maybe not with a lot of experience have difficulty with that – especially since he’s so tall. He has such a presence at the net; that’s really his forte.”

Also a standout on the Grand Island volleyball team, Nawotka will continue his volleyball career in the fall at Medaille College. Medaille does not have a tennis program, but Nawotka plans to keep up with the game anyway, outside of school.

But before that, he figures he has plenty of mileage left for the Vikings.

“Having the team win the league is everyone’s top goal,” Nawotka said. “If I can go undefeated, that would be great, too.”

And he does not go unnoticed. Pray says that Nawotka makes quite an impression on his teammates.

“Andy is my quiet leader,” Pray said. “The other players look up to Andy as a role model. He leads by example, and he’s a class act both on the court and off.”