LEADER Sophomore Katie Huff reaches out to hit the ball during practice on April 12. Huff led the team to an overall 79-48 singles 2013 record. Jeff Montgomery Stepping into her swing, junior Benyapa Phumtip returns the ball on April 12. Phumtip received her third straight All-Conference 1st Team Award in the 2013 season. Jeff Montgomery Junior Maria Moreno eyes the ball as she prepares to return it to her East Central opponent during a match on April 12. Moreno won a season-high five straight matches in the spring. Jeff Montgomery SWINGS AT SUCCESS B enyapa Phumtip, known as "Porn" by her friends, was a native of Bangkok, Thailand, a junior graphic design major and one of the strongest players on Harding's tennis team. In the spring of 2013, Phumtip earned herthird consecutive 1st Team All-Conference award. She finished the 2013 season with a 10-7 singles record and a 3-3 record in Great American Conference play. Phumtip's most significant victory was her doubles record; she had an overall doubles record of 14-51 recording more doubles victories than any other Harding player that season. Marco Ruiz, the current head coach and a former men's tennis team member, spent the last seven years on Harding's tennis court and said that Phumtip was the most talented player he had ever seen. "She knows where the ball is going before the ball comes to her side," Ruiz said. "She is very good at reading her opponent, and she can return every single shot, no matter how hard the ball comes." Sophomore Ali Rowden, Phumtip's doubles partner for 13 of Phumtip's 14 doubles victories, said the pair balanced each other on the court with their contrasting tennis styles. According to Rowden, Phumtip was a conservative but consistent player, while Rowden was more aggressive. "Ali and Porn compliment each other very well," Ruiz said. "When you play doubles, you need somebody who is more aggressive, like Ali and someone like Porn, who is going to be the safe side of the team." Phumtip had an unusual introduction to tennis. She began playing in Thailand at a young age due to a sinus disease. Her father put her in sports to heal her condition and gave her the choice between swimming and tennis. Phumtip chose tennis because her father already played. This decision affected her life for years to come. She advanced to the International Tennis Federation at the age of 14. Her parents looked on the Internet for a good school where Phumtip could continue to play tennis and found Harding. Phumtip sent an email to Coach Elliott, professor of kinesiology, who answered right away. "I am so thankful he responded that day," Phumtip said. "I really respect him because he gave . me the chance to come here and make friends." The tennis team was a source of friendship and encouragement for Phumtip, urging her to continue honing her skills. "We love Porn so much," Rowden said. "We all push each other in practice, and that is what makes each of us better." For Phumtip, the community of the team and the love of the game kept her coming back to the court. According to Phumtip, success came much more easily if you enjoyed your pursuits. Virginia "Vivi" Vitalone
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