Once rivals, two USU freshmen are now teammates
The Utah State women’s tennis team is off to a 2-1 start this year thanks to the steady play of freshmen Richelle Ferguson and Jocee Mason at the No. 2 and 3 positions, respectively.
Ferguson was recruited from Timpview High School in Provo by head coach Christian Wright.
“At the state tournament last year [Wright] came and watched me play,” she said.
Though she was recruited by Weber State University and has a sister playing at Brigham Young University, Ferguson wanted to come to USU.
“I really didn’t want to go to Weber, and when I visited the campus here I really liked it,” she said.
Ferguson started playing tennis about six years ago and credits her involvement in the sport to her father.
“Playing tennis is something my family has always done,” she said. “My father got all of us kids started at and early age.”
Both Ferguson’s older brother and sister play at the college level, and her younger brother played in high school.
Ferguson hasn’t let the No. 2 position go to her head.
“It’s pretty exciting to play, but also really intimidating playing at such a high spot on the team,” she said. “It can be overwhelming at times, but still is a lot of fun.”
Another reason Ferguson chose USU was the head coach.
“Wright helps the group become one,” she said. “He is really good with people and helps motivates us.”
In her spare time, Ferguson said she enjoys traveling, being with family, and experiencing new things. One thing she looks forward to is traveling with the team to Hawaii over Spring Break in March.
Equally strong at the No. 3 position is Jocee Mason from Bountiful.
A Business Administration major emphasizing in marketing, Mason came to Utah State with friends after Wright offered her a spot.
“I actually wrote a letter, and Chris came and saw me play,” she said. “I got the scholarship and was excited to come and play.”
Mason is the youngest in her family and has been playing tennis since she was 7 years old.
Mason actually beat Ferguson in the 1999 state quarter finals, where she took second. She really didn’t expect to play at such a high spot at the college level.
“It’s surprising to play at this high of a spot at the college level,” she said “We have challenge matches all the time, and I have been fortunate enough to stay at that position since arriving here at Utah State.”
The team is looking stronger at the middle positions than it ever has in the school’s history, Wright said.
“Richelle and Jocee are playing really well at their spots. It really has strengthened the team as a whole,” she said.
Mason credits the team’s play to their strong friendships.
“The team is really strong because were not only friends on the court, but were really good friends off the court as well,” she said. “It makes it easier and it’s a lot of fun to cheer one another on during the matches.”
Mason also credits her strong play to her coach.
“Wright is a really motivational type of guy. He helps bring everyone together through his motivational quotes and speeches,” she said
Mason enjoys playing the piano and organ, and “just hangin’ out,” she said.
The Aggies will face off against Weber State University Tuesday at the Sports Academy and Racquet Club at 1:30 p.m.